‘I Deserve To Be Here’ – Shir Cohen Aims To Reignite World Title Bid Against Vero At ONE Friday Fights 143
Injuries have derailed Shir Cohen‘s World Title opportunities twice, but ONE Friday Fights 143 offers her a chance to reclaim what was previously within her grasp.
The Israeli standout can reignite her championship ambitions in Asia primetime at Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium this Friday, February 20.
There, she faces surging Myanmar brawler “The Kayan Leopard” Vero in the ONE Friday Fights 143 main event, and the victor could potentially become the next person to challenge for the ONE Women’s Atomweight Muay Thai World Title.
Cohen, the 2023 Road to ONE: Thailand winner, has taken the division by storm. She owns a blistering 11-1 professional record and three straight promotional victories, capped by snapping Amy Pirnie‘s 22-bout winning streak at ONE Fight Night 25 in October 2024.
That performance earned her a World Title opportunity against reigning ONE Women’s Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion Allycia Hellen Rodrigues at ONE Fight Night 29 in March 2025. However, an injury forced her to withdraw from the contest.
The battle was rescheduled for ONE Fight Night 32 last June, but she pulled out again due to another injury. Instead of rushing back into competition, Cohen took extended time off to heal and spent her recovery sharpening her weapons at Fairtex Training Center in Pattaya, Thailand.
Speaking to onefc.com, Cohen said:
“I’ve been away for over a year. It was a very challenging time for me because I couldn’t fight, and there were many things out of my control.
“I took this time to become a better fighter and a better version of myself. I kept training hard every day, kept improving my skills, and tried to be better every day.”
While Cohen laments the missed opportunities, she has used the adversity as motivation and remains hopeful to secure another chance to challenge for the divisional crown.
The path back to World Title contention won’t come easy, however. Standing across from her will be Vero, a Myanmar demolisher riding the momentum of back-to-back victories.
Known as “The Kayan Leopard,” Vero has showcased her destructive capabilities with crucial wins over Cohen’s teammate Junior Fairtex and Li “Miracle Girl” Mingrui.
Though wary of the 29-year-old’s proven finishing ability, Cohen believes her well-rounded striking arsenal can neutralize the power puncher and extend her winning streak to six fights.
The Israeli said:
“She’s a very good fighter. She has really good boxing and power, but I believe in myself. I believe in my hard work and my skills. I respect her, but we all come for the same goal. I come to win.
“My footwork and speed could be better [than hers], and could work for me for this fight. I’ve been working on it a lot, so I’m going to use this against her.”
The unfortunate circumstances and extended absence have only fueled Cohen’s determination.
After more than a year away, Cohen is hungrier than ever to prove her worth. She plans to deliver a statement-making performance that leaves no doubt about her place in ONE Championship.
She offered:
“In this comeback fight, I want to show how much I have been working and how hungry I am to fight again. I want to show that I deserve to be here.
“I will try my best to finish the fight. I know she is very strong, and she is very ready, but I’m confident in myself.”
Cohen Eyes Winner Of Rodrigues Vs. Phetjeeja
Though focused on her upcoming bout, Shir Cohen will be paying close attention to one of the biggest super-fights in women’s striking history.
On Friday, March 13, ONE Fight Night 41 will be headlined by a ONE Women’s Atomweight Muay Thai World Championship showdown between defending titleholder Allycia Hellen Rodrigues and divisional kickboxing ruler “The Queen” Phetjeeja Lukjaoporongtom.
Cohen, who holds deep respect for the two elite athletes, admits it’s nearly impossible for her to pick a side:
“They’re both really strong. Each one of them has their own style, strength, and game plan. I just can’t wait to watch it and see whoever wins.
“I can’t choose. Anything can happen in a fight, especially when it’s the small gloves, and it’s five rounds, so it’s very close.”
Ultimately, Cohen’s goal is to secure the next World Title shot, whether that means revisiting her twice-postponed clash with Rodrigues or becoming the first person to challenge Phetjeeja.
Either way, she dreams of making history as Israel’s first-ever ONE World Champion.
But before any grand ambitions can materialize, she must handle business against Vero at ONE Friday Fights 143. If she authors a dominant performance, then it would be hard to deny her.
Cohen said:
“I want to fight for the belt. I want to have the chance for a title shot. This is my dream, this is my goal. I will work hard for that to happen.”
