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May 23–25, 2025
The final weekend of May gave combat sports fans plenty to savor, delivering drama from Bangkok to Johannesburg, heartbreak in Shanghai, and surprises in Glasgow. Here’s how each event unfolded.
At the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, ONE Friday Fights 109 provided its trademark spectacle. Thai bantamweight standout Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri showcased precision and relentless pace, securing a unanimous decision over French-Algerian technician Brice “The Truck” Delval. Delval struggled against Yod-IQ's relentless clinch elbows and crushing leg kicks, marking Yod-IQ's seventh consecutive victory and positioning him closer to the ONE Championship main roster.
Notable newcomers made impressive debuts: Japan's kickboxing sensation Yuki Yoza used his elite striking and exceptional footwork to dominate Elbrus Osmanov, while Mohammad Siasarani upset debutant Kaito Ono in a tactical kickboxing clash. The evening’s most electrifying finish came from Wuttikrai Wor Chakrawut, who needed less than one round to overwhelm Burmese brawler Eh Mwi with devastating strikes, leaving no doubt about his knockout power.
With eleven finishes out of twelve bouts, Lumpinee proved once again why it remains an unmatched arena for combat spectacle.
The UFC’s regional talent hunt continued in Shanghai with Season 4’s Episodes 3 and 4, featuring thrilling quarter-final battles. The most anticipated story was Thailand’s Peter “Asian Viking” Danesoe, aiming to become the first Thai-born male to reach the UFC.
Unfortunately, Danesoe’s dream was abruptly halted when China's Sulangrangbo landed a precise counter-left hook, sending the Thai fighter to the canvas and sealing a swift first-round TKO victory. It was a tough setback for Danesoe, whose explosive style had made him a fan favorite.
Elsewhere on the card, China's Kangjie Zhu edged compatriot Xie Bin via a razor-thin split decision, and Korea’s Sang Wook Kim made waves with brutal standing elbows that forced a second-round stoppage against Daichi Kamiya. With fighters from China, Australia, Mongolia, Korea, and Vietnam advancing, the semifinal brackets now appear wide open, promising exciting clashes ahead.
South Africa’s premier boxing series, Boxing 5: “Back to the City”, packed Carnival City in Johannesburg, showcasing regional talent with global potential. Rising star Katlego Khanyisa captured the IBF Africa super-featherweight title, delivering a disciplined, technical masterpiece against Lucky Monyebane.
Youth featherweight standout Ishmaeel Kadri continued his ascent by earning the IBF Youth title with a decisive ninth-round TKO over Namibia’s tough Lineekela Nghifindaka. Flyweight Frank Sotomela secured the IBF Africa Flyweight belt in convincing fashion, igniting talk of a future unification bout against fellow South African Jackson Chauke.
Johannesburg’s energetic atmosphere highlighted Boxing 5’s success in nurturing talent destined for the world stage, promising exciting futures for these emerging fighters.
In the UK, Terri Harper retained her WBO lightweight title against Germany’s Natalie Zimmermann with an emphatic unanimous decision. Harper’s slick combinations and expert ring control proved too much for the previously unbeaten challenger. Post-fight, Harper set her sights on a unification showdown against WBC champion Caroline Dubois, thrilling fans anticipating a future blockbuster.
On the undercard, Maxi Hughes narrowly overcame Archie Sharp, solidifying his standing in the competitive lightweight division.
Glasgow hosted the weekend’s biggest upset as relentless challenger Ekow Essuman outlasted former undisputed champion Josh Taylor in their highly-anticipated welterweight clash. Essuman’s unmatched stamina turned the fight around in the later rounds, earning him a unanimous decision victory. For Taylor, this marks a concerning third consecutive loss, raising questions about his future at boxing’s elite level.
Emerging heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma provided a glimpse into the future with a second-round knockout victory over seasoned veteran Mike Balogun, reaffirming his potential to be Britain’s next boxing superstar.
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