Chinese fighters in all-win performance in Shanghai
The victory in Shanghai helped 21-year-old Zhang Chenglong to an overall record of 48-12-1.
Chinese martial artists had their confidence boosted after an all-win performance at ONE Championship’s Shanghai fight.
Singapore-based martial art promoter ONE presented 13 fights at Shanghai Baoshan Arena over the weekend, with five of them featuring Chinese competitors.
In the bantamweight kickboxing contest, local fighter Zhang Chenglong scored a destructive one-punch knockout of Australia’s Tyler Hardcastle to notch a first-round finish.
In a bantamweight Muay Thai contest, former ONE world title challenger Han Zihao turned in a spectacular performance, stopping opponent Andrew Miller of Scotland.
Male Chinese fighters have been trying to make their voice better heard on the international stage, since the rise of female fighter Xiong Jingnan, who became the first Chinese gold belt holder in ONE last January.
In the main events, ONE World Champion Stamp Fairtex of Thailand overcame challenger Alma Juniku of Australia to retain her ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Championship and former world title challenger Agilan Thani of Malaysia spoiled the debut of Japan’s Yoshihiro Akiyama to win via unanimous decision.
“It’s all about passion and power on stage,” said Zhang Zhen, who was watching live martial arts for the first time. “I have been following Zhang Chenglong. I’m glad he made won today.”
Former Shanghai Sharks captain Liu Wei also attended the event. “The competition was fierce. You easily get involved in the atmosphere and get touched by the fighters’ tenacity,” said the basketball player.
