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Bangkok, Thailand – August 16, 2024 – In a thrilling showcase of Muay Thai skill and tenacity, Israeli fighter Shir Cohen secured a decisive victory over Chilean competitor Francesca Vera at ONE Championship’s ONE Friday Fights 75 event held in Bangkok.
The match, which concluded after three intense rounds, saw Cohen emerge victorious by unanimous decision, maintaining her undefeated professional record.
The bout, held at ONE Championship’s premier Muay Thai event, captivated fans with its high-paced action and technical mastery. Cohen, competing in the strawweight division, displayed exceptional skill and determination throughout the fight.
Standing at 5-foot-2 (1.57 meters) and weighing 115 pounds (52 kilograms), Cohen showcased her agility and precision, effectively neutralizing Vera’s attempts to leverage her size advantage.
Cohen, who began her martial arts journey in Israel at the age of 15, made her professional debut earlier this year.
Her first official fight in March 2024 resulted in a second-round TKO victory over Bulgarian opponent Teodora Kirilova. This win at ONE Friday Fights 75 extends Cohen’s perfect record to 2-0 and underscores her rapid rise in the Muay Thai arena.
Reflecting on her victory, Cohen expressed her deep personal and cultural motivations. “I started with kickboxing and boxing in my hometown of Tiberias,” Cohen told The Jerusalem Post.
“At age 21, I achieved my highest accomplishment with a gold medal at the World Games. After that, I felt a strong desire for change and a new challenge, which led me to Muay Thai.”
Cohen, now 23, adorned the ring with a Star of David necklace, a symbol of her pride and connection to her Israeli roots.
“I was focused on what I should do for this fight and on how much I really needed this win. I really wanted it – not only for myself but for my people in Israel, my country, my family,” she said.
The fight began with Cohen setting a relentless pace, landing a decisive right kick to Vera’s thigh in the first round. Her aggressive strategy and combination of strikes – including punches, kicks, elbows, and knees – kept Vera on the defensive.
Despite Vera’s reputation as “Miss Scarface” and her physical strength, Cohen’s superior technique and conditioning were evident throughout the bout.
In the second round, Cohen’s dominance continued as she delivered a series of powerful combinations.
Her jabs, hooks, uppercuts, and overhand strikes visibly impacted Vera, who struggled to match Cohen’s pace and precision. Blood appeared on both fighters, but Vera’s resilience was insufficient to turn the tide in her favor.
Cohen’s performance highlighted her effective use of the Muay Thai clinch, her ability to control the center of the ring, and her tactical acumen.
“I felt like I should score more, I should hit more, I should punch and kick more because knocking her down wouldn’t be easy,” Cohen explained. “She’s very strong. She’s very tough.”
The unanimous decision in favor of Cohen reflects not only her skill and preparation but also her ability to adapt and execute her game plan under pressure.
The victory solidifies Cohen’s position as a rising star in the Muay Thai world and underscores the increasing prominence of Israeli fighters on the global stage.
ONE Championship, the largest martial arts organization in Asia, continues to provide a platform for exceptional talent across various disciplines.
Cohen’s performance at ONE Friday Fights 75 is a testament to her dedication and the high level of competition in the organization.
As Cohen continues to build her career in Muay Thai, her journey is likely to inspire many, both in Israel and internationally. With her unwavering focus and commitment to excellence, Shir Cohen is poised to make a significant impact in the world of combat sports.