Rising Malaysian-Thai sensation Aliff Sor Dechapan delivered the biggest victory of his career after knocking out Muay Thai legend Sam-A Gaiyanghadao in the fifth round to capture the ONE Interim Strawweight Muay Thai World Championship at ONE: The Inner Circle on Friday night.
The victory at the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium also earned the 22-year-old the opportunity to challenge reigning undisputed world champion Prajanchai PK Saenchai in a blockbuster title unification bout.
The interim world title clash pitted two generations against each other, with 42-year-old Sam-A bringing decades of championship experience against the explosive athleticism of the young Malaysian-Thai striker.
From the opening bell, both fighters engaged in a thrilling battle.
Sam-A relied on his trademark ring IQ, timing and technical precision, while Aliff answered with relentless pressure, superior speed and dangerous high kicks that repeatedly targeted the veteran’s head and upper body.
Despite Sam-A’s experience allowing him to neutralise many of the early attacks, Aliff never stopped pushing the pace.
After four competitive rounds, Aliff increased the intensity in the final stanza.
His persistence paid off when he landed a crushing right hand that sent Sam-A to the canvas for the decisive knockdown.
The referee stepped in shortly afterwards, awarding Aliff a spectacular fifth-round knockout victory and crowning him the ONE Interim Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion.
With the interim championship now secured, Aliff has booked a dream showdown against Prajanchai PK Saenchai, who is currently recovering from injury.
The winner of that highly anticipated contest will become the undisputed ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion.
Credit Photo : ONE
