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Moroccan kickboxing sensation Ilias Ennahachi made a powerful statement in his return to ONE Championship, securing a decisive win over second-ranked Hiroki Akimoto at ONE Friday Fights 81. The event took place at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, where Ennahachi showcased his dominance in a high-level bantamweight kickboxing clash.
From the start, Ennahachi set the pace, knocking Akimoto down with a massive left hook in the first round. The knockdown immediately put the Japanese fighter on the back foot, as Ennahachi's superior timing and power became apparent. Despite Akimoto’s attempts to mount a comeback in the second round with a barrage of kicks and body shots, Ennahachi's evasive footwork and sharp defense kept him out of danger.
In the third round, both fighters traded strikes, but Ennahachi’s technical precision, quick movements, and accurate punches and kicks made the difference. His slick combinations and calculated attacks left Akimoto struggling to keep up.
After three rounds of competitive action, the judges unanimously scored the bout in favor of Ennahachi, marking a triumphant return for the former ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion. With this victory, Ennahachi improves his overall professional record to an impressive 40-3, while his ONE Championship record remains flawless at 5-0.
This win not only solidifies Ennahachi’s standing in the bantamweight division but also positions him as a strong contender for the ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Championship, currently held by Britain's Jonathan Haggerty. As the only fighter to defeat Thai megastar and two-sport world champion Superlek Kiatmoo, Ennahachi is inching closer to a potential title shot.
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