The young striking sensation Shir Cohen is on the verge of creating history.
If she defeats reigning ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion Allycia Hellen Rodrigues in the main event of ONE Fight Night 32 on 7 June, she could become Israel’s first-ever ONE World Champion.
However, it is easier said than done. The 24-year-old star is drawing inspiration from her teammate, training partner, and former three-sport ONE World Champion Stamp Fairtex, who lost the Muay Thai crown to the Brazilian.
“I don’t feel pressure. It gives me more motivation because if I can get this for Stamp and for the team, I will feel proud of myself,” Cohen said, explaining how this moment could be a source of pride for her.
Cohen throws punches in the ring like her life depends on it. The striker who trains at Pattaya’s famous Fairtex Training Center claims that her movement in the ring and power punches are her biggest assets.
“My footwork and my boxing [are my biggest advantages]. I will try to use them,” Cohen said. “I want to win. It doesn’t matter how or what way. I will just see when we’re in there.”
The 5-foot-2 fury earned a six-figure ONE Championship contract by winning the Road to ONE: Thailand tournament in 2023.
She immediately proved her worth by winning two consecutive fights. However, her career’s biggest win came against Scottish veteran Amy Pirnie, whom she defeated fair and square.
Now, she is just one fight away from making history. However, defeating Rodrigues in her adopted home country will be a herculean task. Cohen admits that her opponent is an experienced and technical fighter.
“Rodrigues is very technical and very smart, and her Muay Thai weapons are very good. She’s very experienced as well. She is more experienced than me, especially under Muay Thai rules. And she’s very good and very strong,” Cohen said.
Catch ONE Fight Night 32 live in India on JioHotstar and Star Sports Select 2 at 6:30 a.m. IST on Saturday, 7 June.
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