Phetjeeja unifies atomweight kickboxing title as Janet Todd retires

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Published: 10 Mar. 2024, 15:19

Phetjeeja unifies atomweight kickboxing title as Janet Todd retires

Phetjeeja Lukjaoporongtom wins the atomweight kickboxing world title at ONE Fight Night 20 over the weekend in Bangkok, Thailand. [ONE]

When one career comes to an end, another takes off.

It’s a theme that’s woven tightly through the fabric of all combat sports — and a theme that played out live in U.S. primetime on March 8 at ONE Fight Night 20: Todd vs. Phetjeeja on Prime Video.

Full card confirmed for all-women’s ONE Fight Night 20 on March 8

Competing in the main event at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, “The Queen” Phetjeeja unified the ONE Women’s Atomweight Kickboxing World Title by defeating defending queen Janet “JT” Todd, who not only relinquished her golden belt but took part in the final bout of her storied career.

Phetjeeja — just 22 years old and entering the contest as the interim titleholder — blasted Todd with overhand rights to get proceedings underway on International Women’s Day. The Thai phenom used them effectively behind her jab and also after her fake push kicks.

The Japanese-American veteran, on the other hand, resorted to her accurate body kicks that have dropped many a foe. But it was clear this time that the retiring legend was up against a different monster.

She was forced to fight on the back foot as “The Queen” marched through her guard with punches and step-in knees.

“JT” tried her best to fend off the swarming young star with counter left hooks and one-twos, but as the fight wore on and the championship rounds began, Phetjeeja looked that much fresher.

Light on her toes, she popped and zinged the 38-year-old on the outside with punches and kicks, running away with a clear lead on the scorecards.

And with just a minute left in the final frame, Phetjeeja scored a definitive eight-count with a low kick-right hand combo that all but sealed the deal.

After 15 minutes of intense action, the woman from Team Mehdi Zatout earned the judges’ nod, improved to 208-6 overall, and became the undisputed ONE Women’s Atomweight Kickboxing World Champion.

Todd, in an emotional conclusion, laid her gloves on the canvas and said goodbye to a professional career that spanned more than 50 fights across 10 years and saw her become a two-sport World Champion in ONE.

BY JOHN WOLCOTT [kjdsports@joongang.co.kr]