Nico Carrillo Defeats Shadow, Captures Interim Featherweight Muay Thai World Title At ONE Fight Night 40
“King of the North” Nico Carrillo authored one of the most dramatic comebacks in recent memory, rallying from an early deficit to defeat Thai phenom Shadow via unanimous decision and claim the ONE Interim Featherweight Muay Thai World Title in the co-main event of ONE Fight Night 40 on Prime Video this past Friday, February 13.
Shadow controlled the early rounds at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium with smart defense and precision striking. He tracked the Scottish powerhouse around the ring, picking him off with leg kicks and punches in the opening frame.
The 26-year-old hometown hero, who previously won a Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Title, landed a left hook in round two that changed the complexion of the fight. That blow backed up the 27-year-old Scot and put him on the defensive throughout the stanza.
Carrillo looked to begin his comeback in the third. The Glasgow native started pressing forward and unleashed his trademark right hand.
But nearly 20 seconds into the round, Shadow countered with a left hook that stunned “King of the North” and put him on the back foot once again. Although the Thai moved forward and pressured his rival with an assortment of strikes, the European star recovered and continued throwing his cross.
The bout entered uncharted territory in round four — the first time either man had seen a fourth round in their ONE Championship careers.
Carrillo seized the moment, knocking down the Thai with his trademark right hand.
Shadow answered the referee’s eight-count, but it was clear he was becoming more and more exhausted. He continued firing his right kick, but the Scottish warrior frequently caught his leg and countered with more punches.
The final frame belonged entirely to the “King of the North.”
Carrillo’s confidence soared, and he stalked Shadow around the ring, landing his shots at will. Both warriors wore the damage like badges of honor, fighting not just for gold but for purpose and legacy.
With the victory, Carrillo nudged his record to 30-4, vindicating his decision to move up from the bantamweight ranks and positioning himself for a unification bout with divisional ruler Tawanchai PK Saenchai once he returns from injury later this year.
