‘I Came Here To Become A Champion’ – Vero Sees Shir Cohen As Final Step Toward Gold At ONE Friday Fights 143
After two consecutive victories, Myanmar sensation Vero “The Kayan Leopard” is now setting her sights on ONE Championship gold. But before she can think about a World Title opportunity, she must overcome the toughest test of her career to date.
On February 20, the 29-year-old will face Israeli standout Shir Cohen in an atomweight Muay Thai showdown at ONE Friday Fights 143, airing live in Asia primetime from Bangkok’s legendary Lumpinee Stadium.
Like Vero, Cohen arrives with serious credentials. The Israeli striker owns a 3-0 record in the world’s largest martial arts organization and was once positioned as a frontrunner for gold. That shared ambition only fuels Vero’s determination heading into their main event clash.
“The Kayan Leopard” said:
“I’ve fought in this event three times already. Each opponent was different, each style was different. My first fight was completely new for me – everything changed my life. It was very hard. In my second fight, I won by knockout. In my latest fight, I won by decision. My opponent was difficult, but I tried my best. I think I did my best and I learned a lot.”
Vero entered ONE Friday Fights 97 in February 2025 with considerable hype as one of Myanmar’s brightest striking stars. However, she suffered a narrow split-decision loss to Francisca “Miss Scarface” Vera in a fiercely contested battle.
After that setback, the Tiger Muay Thai representative recalibrated quickly. She stopped Junior Fairtex via first-round TKO at ONE Friday Fights 107, then edged Li Mingrui by split decision at ONE Friday Fights 132 to build a two-fight streak.
Now, with her first main event assignment ahead of her, Vero understands the magnitude of the moment:
“This Friday is very important for me. It’s my first time fighting in the main event. It’s important for me and for Myanmar. Please support me even more.
“I’ve known Shir Cohen for a long time. Before she fought in ONE, I saw her fight at Fairtex [Fights]. She’s very good and she’s a nice person. We’re friends on Instagram. I’m happy many Myanmar fans also like her.”
Vero owns nearly 30 professional victories, many earned in her native sport of lethwei, and has steadily adapted to ONE’s 4-ounce Muay Thai format.
The smaller gloves reward sharper focus and punish hesitation, lessons she has embraced through experiences that have only strengthened her resolve.
She said:
“I came here to become a champion. And for everyone in Myanmar who believes in me, this Friday I will show the best version of myself. I don’t care about pain. I’m ready.”
Vero Believes She Hits Harder Than Shir Cohen
At ONE Friday Fights 143, Vero will meet Shir Cohen in a matchup between two surging contenders with World Title aspirations.
Cohen enters with a perfect 3-0 promotional record and refined striking fundamentals. The Israeli athlete blends speed, sharp combinations, and intelligent movement, making her one of the division’s most technically polished competitors.
Having studied her upcoming adversary closely, Vero said:
“Her style leans toward kickboxing. Her punching fundamentals are very good. Her Muay Thai is good too, but I think she stands out more in kickboxing. She’s fast and she fights smart. But I believe I have heavier hands and stronger impact.
“I think she’s not as strong in the clinch. When she punches, sometimes she walks forward too much. If she meets someone who fights smart and intercepts well, that could be a problem. That’s what I think. I’ve studied how to deal with her.”
Cohen was previously scheduled to challenge ONE Women’s Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion Allycia Hellen Rodrigues at ONE Fight Night 29 last year before an injury forced her to withdraw. That missed opportunity stalled her pursuit, and this bout marks a crucial step in rebuilding that momentum.
Vero understands exactly what defeating such an opponent would mean:
“One year ago, she was scheduled to fight for the title. She’s very experienced. If I beat her, I should get a title shot too. She’s been here longer than me. Passing her is a very important test.”
The opportunity is clear. A decisive victory would place Vero firmly in the ONE World Championship conversation.
But beyond that, her focus remains on execution.
The Myanmar star said:
“My plan is to fight smart. I want to be a fighter who uses her brain, not just rush forward. I want to be relaxed but heavy. If there’s a chance to knock her out, I’ll wait for the moment and finish it. I want to win by knockout or by clear decision.
“If I win by knockout, I hope I can fight for the title next.”
