The globally renowned Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, serves as the historical backdrop for the anticipated clash at ONE Friday Fights 46. As December 22 draws near, the anticipation mounts for the bout between Anissa Meksen and Phetjeeja, both vying for the coveted ONE Interim Women’s Atomweight Kickboxing World Title.
Anissa Meksen, of French-Algerian descent, has a career marked by accolades that few can rival. With a staggering career record of 103-5, she stands tall in the annals of kickboxing history. Such is her prowess that she remains undefeated within the ONE Championship, a testament to her impeccable technique and undying spirit. Her victories include a notable win over ISKA Atomweight K-1 World Champion Cristina Morales, with a tactical second-round TKO. Subsequent victories against Marie Ruumet and Dangkongfah Banchamek were secured via unanimous decisions, further cementing her dominance.
However, the upcoming bout promises to be a litmus test for Meksen, as she faces Phetjeeja — a competitor known for her youth and formidable experience. Fondly dubbed “The Queen,” Phetjeeja boasts a career record that is nothing short of awe-inspiring: 206-6. Despite her relative newness to the ONE Championship, having debuted only in January, she has swiftly climbed the ranks. Her precision knockout against Fani Peloumpi and the decisive victory over Ines Pilutti not only showcased her unmatched skill but also earned her a lucrative contract with the world’s leading martial arts organization. Her subsequent victories against Lara Fernandez and Celest Hansen further solidified her standing.
In recent times, the martial arts community has been abuzz with the meteoric rise of Phetjeeja. With four consecutive highlight-reel wins on the illustrious ONE Championship platform, she’s not just a rising star – she’s a blazing comet. Such is her dominance that many of her peers, including those from MMA, Muay Thai, and kickboxing, have openly acknowledged her prowess. The consensus? The Thai superstar isn’t just knocking on the door of greatness – she’s pounding on it.
Among the most vocal admirers of Phetjeeja’s skills is none other than Anna ‘Supergirl’ Jaroonsak. Known for her dynamism and agility in the ring, Jaroonsak has earned her stripes, making her admiration for Phetjeeja all the more noteworthy. As she gears up to face Cristina Morales at ONE Fight Night 16 on November 3, ‘Supergirl’ can’t help but dream of a future showdown with ‘The Queen.’
In a candid chat with ONE Championship, Jaroonsak expressed her deep-seated admiration for Phetjeeja. “If I were to fight with her, it’d have to be a superfight only. I have seen her fight in real life in Samui around 5-6 years ago,” she remarked. For a teenager of her stature to label a prospective bout as a “superfight” is a testament to the respect she holds for Phetjeeja.
But what exactly about Phetjeeja’s style has caught the eyes of the young ‘Supergirl’? For starters, it’s the knockout power that the ‘The Queen’ exhibits. The martial arts fraternity, including Jaroonsak, sat up and took note when Phetjeeja showcased her TKO victories at the ONE Friday Fights and followed it up with similar performances against formidable opponents like Lara Fernandez and Celest Hansen.
However, it’s not just the raw power that intrigues Jaroonsak. It’s also Phetjeeja’s unparalleled temperament inside the ring. “I view her as a strong fighter. She sits so chill during rounds. She doesn’t seem tired at all,” Jaroonsak added, emphasizing the calm demeanor with which Phetjeeja trades punches and evades blows.
However, it’s imperative to recognize that the forthcoming Meksen-Phetjeeja bout carries implications that go beyond personal records and individual achievements. The winner is set to challenge Janet Todd, the reigning champion, in a monumental World Title unification bout in 2024. Such a bout will undeniably shape the future trajectory of the Women’s Atomweight Kickboxing division.
Concurrently, Jaroonsak’s imminent bout against Cristina Morales at ONE Fight Night 16 is also of significant interest. Should she secure a win, the possibility of a Jaroonsak versus Phetjeeja match in the foreseeable future becomes increasingly plausible.
