Published 10 days ago
An explosive fight at Lumpinee: young Thai Payakrut withstands Ukrainian Mezentsev’s desperate comeback
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ONE Friday Fights 173 left a lasting impression with a fiery strawweight clash between Payakrut Suajantokmuaythai and Andrii Mezentsev. The 20-year-old Thai fighter managed to hold onto his lead despite an intense final round, securing a split decision victory after three rounds of rare intensity.
To remember:
- Payakrut Suajantokmuaythai, 20, wins a hard-fought split decision at ONE Friday Fights 173.
- The Thai fighter dominates the first two rounds with roundhouse kicks and flawless footwork.
- Mezentsev opens a cut on Payakrut in the third round but fails to turn the fight around despite a desperate offensive.
The ONE Friday Fights 173, held this Friday, October 2, at the legendary Lumpinee Stadium, delivered a breathtaking spectacle. At the heart of the event, the strawweight bout between Payakrut Suajantokmuaythai and Andrii Mezentsev lived up to all expectations. At just 20 years old, the Thai fighter proved his maturity by withstanding a furious comeback from his Ukrainian opponent to win by split decision.
Payakrut Controls the Early Rounds
From the opening seconds, Payakrut set the pace. His precise footwork and sharp roundhouse kicks put Mezentsev on the back foot, who struggled to find openings. The first two rounds were largely dominated by the young Thai, whose varied techniques dazzled the crowd. Despite a few counter attempts from the Ukrainian, Payakrut remained in control of the center of the ring, racking up points.
Mezentsev Strikes Hard, But Too Late
The third round changed everything. Mezentsev, previously in trouble, found a gap and opened a cut on his opponent with powerful hooks. The fight shifted, and the Ukrainian launched a desperate offensive to overturn the score. Payakrut, though surprised, dug deep to counter with precise elbow strikes and maintain his lead.
After three rounds, the judges delivered their verdict: a split decision in favor of Payakrut. A result that reflects the extreme tension of this fight, where every detail mattered. This duel will go down as one of the most intense of the night, confirming Payakrut's status as one of the future stars of global muay-thai.