Mehdi Zatout Uses Dominant Boxing To Overwhelm Leo Pinto

Mehdi “Diamond Heart” Zatout produced a dominant performance on Friday, 14 August.

After three strong rounds, the French-Algerian striker earned a convincing unanimous decision victory over younger Frenchman Leo Pinto in the co-main event of ONE: NO SURRENDER II in Bangkok, Thailand.

From the onset, it was clear that boxing would be Zatout’s bread and butter. 

The 36-year-old veteran opened the kickboxing clash by sending Pinto backward with a booming straight, which he followed up with a cracking one-two combination to set the tone.

Pinto tried to get into a rhythm with kicks, but “Diamond Heart’s” striking was just too much, as he connected at will with punching combinations for much of the first round. 

The second featured a similar story, as Pinto struggled to land kicks and Zatout freely connected with his right hand. Another big one-two combination midway through the stanza sent the 26-year-old back once again.

Near the end of the frame, the younger Frenchman tried to push “Diamond Heart” into the ropes, but he only got a right hand for his troubles. 

Pinto was again aggressive to begin the third round, but Zatout beautifully evaded his attacks and continued to apply pressure to frustrate his adversary.

Though the younger Frenchman pushed forward in an attempt to deliver a potential knockout blow, his advances were largely blocked until the final bell sounded.

The victory was Zatout’s second in ONE Super Series, as he improved to 77-39-1 in his career.

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