“Fighting Rooster” Zhang Peimian introduced himself to the global stage with a striking masterclass at ONE: LIGHTS OUT on Friday, 11 March.
The Chinese rising star ripped through #5-ranked strawweight kickboxing contender Josh “Timebomb” Tonna’s defense with precision, speed, and devastating combinations to earn a second-round TKO victory.
After the opening bell inside the Singapore Indoor Stadium rang, Zhang immediately went to work and started chopping at his rival’s legs. Tonna attempted to respond, but the 18-year-old phenom stayed one step ahead and connected with thudding hook-cross combinations and more powerful kicks.
Though the Chinese dynamo heavily attacked “Timebomb’s” legs, he soon moved upstairs and floored Tonna with a powerful left hook to the body. Zhang pushed forward and knocked down his opponent again at the end of the opening stanza.
Tonna answered the referee’s eight-count, but “Fighting Rooster” could sense that the end was near.
Zhang came out of his corner in the second frame with even more fire and determination. He stung the former ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Title challenger’s midsection with another precise left hook.
Tonna quickly found himself in no man’s land. Every time he crept forward, the Shenzhen native’s left hook was waiting to find a home. He floored the Australian with two more body shots, and on both occasions, “Timebomb” just barely answered the referee’s eight-count.
“Fighting Rooster” continued the pressure, and Tonna simply couldn’t keep up with the output. The teenage sensation worked his way into the pocket behind his left fist, blending in uppercuts and hooks.
One more devastating left hook finally sealed the debut win for the Shengli Fight Club athlete – and earned him a US$50,000 performance bonus in the process.
Zhang’s win upped his record to 15-0-1 and showed the world that there could very well be a new contender in the strawweight kickboxing division. (One Championship)
(Photo credits to: One Championship)