Yohan Gazzali, a teenage Muay Thai sensation, solidified his reputation at ONE Fight Night 17 with a 36-second knockout victory over Edgar Tavares on Saturday at Lumpini Stadium in Bangkok. This win improved Gazzali’s ONE Championship record to 5-0, with four of his wins coming by knockout.
Despite being unable to make weight and having to give up 50% of his purse to his opponent, Gazzali expressed that he wasn’t bothered by the financial loss, stating that he “didn’t fight for the money.”
Gazzali attributed his quick victory to his confidence in landing a hard left to the body, causing Tavares to wobble before finishing the fight with a left hook. Although he had to give up a portion of his purse due to weight issues, Gazzali was content with his performance.
Gazzali explained that his struggle to make weight was due to being dehydrated and breaking his left hand during a hectic fight camp. He plans to take a break from the ring until the end of 2023 to recover and attend to personal commitments such as obtaining his driver’s license and completing school.
Once he graduates in February, Gazzali aims to return to competition and prove himself against formidable opponents.
