Nong-O Hama and many ONE Championship fans were left questioning the judges’ decision at ONE Fight Night 28, but Kongthoranee Sor Sommai insisted he was a deserving winner on Saturday morning.
Kongthoranee took a split decision in their flyweight Muay Thai fight at Lumpinee Stadium, with former bantamweight champion Nong-O delivering an impressive debut after dropping down to the division.
Two judges scored the fight 29-28 – one for Kongthoranee, one for Nong-O – while the third gave all three rounds to the former.
Thai fans queried the scorecards on social media, and though Nong-O publicly posted that he would accept the decision, privately he queried it.
“I wasn’t worried when the decision was being read out, because I believe that all my striking and my weapons were more accurate,” Kongthoranee told the Bangkok Post backstage in a post-fight interview, however.
Though he was confident he won the fight, that did not stop Kongthoranee paying tribute to someone he has idolised since first coming to the sport.
The 28-year-old Thai knelt down at Nong-O’s feet at the final bell, and again when ring announcer Dom Lau confirmed he was the victor.
“I’ve got huge respect for Nong-O because when he was in his career in Muay Thai, I hadn’t even started Muay Thai yet,” Kongthoranee said.
“I’m happy I got the victory, and also happy to face a legend like Nong-O.”
Nong-O’s frustration is understandable – not just because of the sacrifices and effort made to come down to 135 pounds, but also knowing the winner of this fight would be well positioned to challenge for the vacant flyweight belt.
“Yes, maybe a title shot next,” Kongthoranee added, smiling with his usual humility. “Rodtang? Anyone, I’m ready.”
Kongthoranee took a split decision in their flyweight Muay Thai fight at Lumpinee Stadium, with former bantamweight champion Nong-O delivering an impressive debut after dropping down to the division.
Two judges scored the fight 29-28 – one for Kongthoranee, one for Nong-O – while the third gave all three rounds to the former.
Thai fans queried the scorecards on social media, and though Nong-O publicly posted that he would accept the decision, privately he queried it.
“I wasn’t worried when the decision was being read out, because I believe that all my striking and my weapons were more accurate,” Kongthoranee told the Bangkok Post backstage in a post-fight interview, however.
Though he was confident he won the fight, that did not stop Kongthoranee paying tribute to someone he has idolised since first coming to the sport.
The 28-year-old Thai knelt down at Nong-O’s feet at the final bell, and again when ring announcer Dom Lau confirmed he was the victor.
“I’ve got huge respect for Nong-O because when he was in his career in Muay Thai, I hadn’t even started Muay Thai yet,” Kongthoranee said.
“I’m happy I got the victory, and also happy to face a legend like Nong-O.”
Nong-O’s frustration is understandable – not just because of the sacrifices and effort made to come down to 135 pounds, but also knowing the winner of this fight would be well positioned to challenge for the vacant flyweight belt.
“Yes, maybe a title shot next,” Kongthoranee added, smiling with his usual humility. “Rodtang? Anyone, I’m ready.”
