Ahead of the ONE Fight Night 9 main event between Nong-O Hama and Jonathan Haggerty on April 21, a pair of undefeated lightweights with perfect finishing rates will take center stage.
Turkish rising star Halil Amir (8-0) is set to face Swiss debutant Maurice Abevi (6-0) in an intriguing clash that could bring more clarity to the world title picture.
Before the pair step into the ring at the historic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, we look at what each fighter will bring to ensure that their unblemished record stays intact. And fans in the U.S. and Canada can tune in live and for free with an Amazon Prime membership.
1. Amir can shut the lights out
Amir is a genuine knockout artist.
That knockout power was on full display in the 28-year-old’s ONE Championship debut, as he crushed former world title challenger Timofey Nastyukhin last October.
The victory was a huge statement from Amir, who made it seven knockouts from his eight starts as a professional so far. The other win was via submission.
A fighter with power is always dangerous every second of a match, so Abevi had better keep his eye on the ball.
2. Abevi’s has the speed
Amir may have a power advantage, but Abevi brings speed.
The youthful 23-year-old is explosive with his strikes, and he has shown an ability to mix up his attacks. Abevi will keep his foe guessing, as he adeptly chains his punches and kicks into slick takedowns.
In his six professional fights, the Tiger Muay Thai representative has been ultra-aggressive, finishing every one of his opponents inside the distance.
So, Amir will need to make sure his defenses are tight to avoid the onslaught from his Swiss adversary.
3. Amir’s slick counters
Abevi’s aggressive approach may play well into the hands of Amir and his counter-punching style.
The awkward southpaw caused Nastyukhin problems throughout their tussle, as he used good head movement to evade the Russian’s power shots.
Amir will know that the Swiss debutant will come forward, so if he can stick and move, then it could go a long way toward notching his ninth victory on April 21.
4. Abevi’s submission prowess
While Amir is no slouch on the ground, it is Abevi who has shown a real ability to finish matches on the ground.
He has three submission wins on his record, the latest of which was a rare, show-stopping calf slicer against another undefeated opponent in Germany.
Abevi can also wrestle, and he possesses an explosive takedown game. One of his three knockout wins came via ground and pound, proving that he is a danger once the fight hits the mat.
