Ramazanov Stuns Pongsiri With First-Round Knockout
Alaverdi “Babyface Killer” Ramazanov had a massive 11-centimeter height advantage over Pongsiri PK.Saenchai Muaythaigym in their ONE Super Series Muay Thai bantamweight clash – but it was a short uppercut thrown from the inside that earned him the win.
After losing the ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Championship in January, the Russian striker returned to his old sport and scored a stunning first-round knockout in the co-main event of ONE: NEXTGEN III on Friday, 26 November.
With the emphatic victory at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, Ramazanov showed why he’s the #5-ranked bantamweight Muay Thai contender and a serious threat to claim the World Title in a second sport.
After the opening bell, Pongsiri stepped toward the Russian and probed for a way inside. But Ramazanov sent a push kick into the belly of the Thai, who quickly realized it was going to be harder than he thought to crack his sporadic foe’s defense.
While Pongsiri continued to try and find a way in, Ramazanov jumped in and out of range, feinted attacks, and read his rival’s reactions. Once the PK.Saenchai Muaythaigym athlete moved his arms to defend, “Babyface Killer” fired off one-twos and push kicks.
Pongsiri struggled to touch Ramazanov in the opening minutes, so he banged his fist against his chin and called on the Russian, who continued to attack with volume before connecting with a push kick that sent the Thai to the mat.
Once back to his feet, Pongsiri moved forward again and tracked his foe around the Circle. The Thai absorbed more punches and push kicks, but then he slapped his gloves together, indicating that he wanted Ramazanov to stay in the pocket and throw down.
Ramazanov finally obliged – to the detriment of Pongsiri.
The Russian planted his feet to the canvas for the first time in the fight and, from a southpaw stance, stunned Pongsiri with an overhand left. The Thai countered with a right hook, but as he did, “Babyface Killer” threw out an uppercut that lifted his rival’s head.
Pongsiri collapsed where he stood. He returned to his feet, but then he fell sideways into the Circle Wall, causing referee Olivier Coste to wave the bout off with 21 seconds left in the first round.
Ramazanov nudged his striking record to 62-6 and retained his #5 spot in the bantamweight Muay Thai rankings. He also made a case to be the next challenger for ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Gaiyanghadao.
Read more: ONE: NEXTGEN III – Live Results And Highlights For Every Fight
