Jo Nattawut Notches Devastating First-Round KO In Malaysia
Two-division Lion Fight World Champion “Smokin” Jo Nattawut lived up to his nickname in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Friday, 13 July.
In the co-main event of ONE: PURSUIT OF POWER, the 28-year-old Thai showed off his firepower, as he knocked out Yohann Fairtex Drai in their Muay Thai featherweight showdown with one second remaining in the opening stanza.
"Smokin" Jo Nattawut brought the heat, knocking Yohann Fairtex Drai out cold at 2:59 of Round 1!
Smokin' Jo Nattawut brought the heat, knocking Yohann Fairtex Drai out cold at 2:59 of Round 1! TV: Check local listings for global broadcast
Posted by ONE Championship on Friday, July 13, 2018
Competing under Muay Thai rules for the first time in ONE Super Series, Nattawut displayed supreme confidence.
The Thai warrior is well known for his kicking game, but he switched things up in the first few exchanges of the contest.
“Smokin” went after his French adversary with rapid-fire boxing combinations. He started to find a home for his right hand, which kept slipping through Drai’s defensive guard midway through the first round.
Once Nattawut found a punch he could land consistently, he kept going back to it over and over again. His pressure was so intense, Drai struggled to find room to breathe under the constant barrage.
With nearly a minute left in the frame, the Thai dropped the 26-year-old Super Muay Thai Champion to the canvas with a sharp right cross.
While Drai returned to his feet, it was evident the end was near.
Nattawut applied more pressure and went for the finish. He walked down the Frenchman with fierce punches, and dumped him next to the cage fence. Once Drai got back up, the Thai blitzed him with left hooks and right crosses until his rival crumpled to the mat for good.
The referee stopped the bout with just one second remaining in the first frame.
It is a marquee performance from Nattawut, who improves his record to 67-7-2.
