Victory at this stage of a career arrives with different weight than those collected in youth. For Sam-A Gaiyanghadao, Friday’s unanimous decision win over Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi at Lumpinee Stadium represented more than adding another name to a resume that already spans 377 professional fights — it kept alive the dream of one final championship run.
The 42-year-old former two-sport, two-division ONE world champion survived early adversity against the 24-year-old rising star at ONE Friday Fights 137, dropping him twice in round two to secure the decision and silence retirement whispers that a loss would have amplified into roars.
“At that moment, he threw a hook, and I pulled back and threw a left hook in,” Sam-A said of the first knockdown.
“Even after getting the first count, I still couldn’t underestimate him because he’s already a good puncher. I had to stay tight and be careful throughout. [It] was painful because his punches are very fast and very heavy.”
The victory validated Sam-A’s pre-fight prediction that Jaosuayai’s drop from flyweight might compromise the power that had made him so dangerous at 135 pounds.
“He’s very good in the 135-pound division, knocking people out easily. I was concerned about this because his hands are very good,” Sam-A said.
“But when he dropped down to this weight class, he might be tired, he might be drained, and he might not be used to this weight yet.”
With momentum now secured, Sam-A’s gaze shifts toward unfinished business. Earlier this year at ONE 172, he fell short challenging Jonathan Di Bella for the ONE interim strawweight kickboxing title. A rematch with the Italian-Canadian could rewrite that chapter. Alternatively, a trilogy bout with Prajanchai PK Saenchai for the strawweight Muay Thai title would provide the storybook ending every great career deserves.
“I want to get a title shot because at this age, if I could get one shot at the title, it would be something great, no matter who the champion is,” Sam-A said.
The path to Prajanchai requires patience, as the champion must first face Aliff Sor Dechapan. Sam-A offered his analysis of that forthcoming clash.
“In this matchup, Aliff is a tall fighter who’s difficult to fight. Prajanchai is crafty. This will be an exciting fight,” Sam-A said.
“I think it will go the distance with their styles. I favor Prajanchai because of his angles and craftiness. If he can get close and clinch, I think he wins 60-40 with his in-fight adjustments, craftiness, and experience because Prajanchai has fought taller opponents and opponents his same height.”
At 42, with three ONE world titles already secured and nothing left to prove except to himself, Sam-A continues climbing. The summit remains visible, just one more mountain away.
