Jonathan ‘The General’ Haggerty effectively silenced his critics by winning and keeping his kickboxing world title at ONE 171: Qatar. Jake Peacock also celebrated a triumphant return to the ring.
After a tough loss of the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship five months prior, Haggerty, from London, successfully bounced back. He defended his kickboxing title at ONE 171: Qatar on Thursday.
Haggerty, who had limited experience in kickboxing before claiming the ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title in November 2023, demonstrated his mastery in striking. He outclassed the top-ranked contender ‘Demon Blade’ Wei Rui at Lusail Sports Arena in Qatar.
The 28-year-old British fighter started cautiously in the first round, testing with low kicks and single strikes. Wei responded with his own kicks and multiple punch combinations.
However, Haggerty found his rhythm in the second round and took control. ‘The General’ moved with grace, constantly changing stances to confuse his opponent. He delivered strikes accurately and retreated before Wei could counter.
In the third round, the Londoner increased the pressure, landing right hands, push kicks, and knees. Wei attempted to keep up with body kicks but couldn’t match the champion’s speed.
Despite Wei’s increased pressure in the later rounds, Haggerty’s defense and distance management remained excellent. The British fighter continued to strike with right hands, knees, body kicks, and push kicks until the final bell, earning the crowd’s admiration.
Ultimately, all three judges awarded a unanimous decision to Haggerty, with scores of 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46. This victory allows Haggerty to retain his kickboxing title, improve his record to 23-5, and end Wei’s 21-fight winning streak.
Haggerty’s next fight is yet to be announced, but he has expressed interest in regaining the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship.
Peacock Returns with Knockout Victory
After a ten-month absence, Jake ‘The One’ Peacock returned to the ONE Championship Circle impressively.
The inspiring fighter with a limb difference defeated Japanese Muay Thai fighter Shinji Suzuki with a knockout in the final moments of their three-round bantamweight Muay Thai match.
Peacock, winner of Road to ONE: Canada, started cautiously, establishing his range with low kicks and punches.
The fight intensified in the second round when Peacock knocked down his opponent with a left knee to the head.
From that point, Suzuki struggled.
Early in the third round, Peacock dropped him again with a right elbow. Suzuki managed to get up before the count, but a low kick quickly put him back down. Peacock then finished the fight with a left elbow, punches, a head kick, and a final left hand.
This win improves Peacock’s record to 14-1, with his 12th knockout victory. After the fight, he mentioned his eagerness to compete again soon and be more active in 2025.
Marcus Bellamy