Yod-IQ’s Childhood Dream Finally Arrived After Winning ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title
A newly minted ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion has officially arrived, and Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri intends to stay.
The Thai striking star secured a hard-fought unanimous decision over Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon in the main event of The Inner Circle 30, which streamed exclusively for subscribers this past Friday, September 11, from Bangkok’s revered Lumpinee Stadium.
For an athlete who has chased this prize his entire life, the magnitude of the moment has not fully sunk in.
“As a kid, I told my parents I wanted to be a World Champion. Even though I didn’t even know what a World Title belt looked like back then. All I knew was that I wanted to achieve it,” the 24-year-old said. “To now see the World Title right in front of me,and have it wrapped around my own waist, it’s an incredible feeling.”
That golden dream did not come easily. Rambolek pushed an intense pace through the opening three rounds, landing heavy artillery and forcing Yod-IQ to work for every inch, but by the championship rounds the challenger’s superior conditioning pulled him awaydown the stretch.
“After three rounds, I still felt it was 50/50. As the challenger facing an established champion, you don’t take anything for granted,” Yod-IQ said. “I think the last two rounds proved that I can take a shot without getting dropped. Once I survived the middlerounds on my feet, I knew I had done enough to secure the win.”
The victory extended his winning streak to 11 and pushed his career record to 128-36, making him the fourth man to hold the bantamweight crown since Jonathan Haggerty dethroned longtime titleholder Nong-O Hama in April 2023. That lineage has a reputation forturning over quickly, but the new champion is not entertaining the idea.
“I don’t believe in curses. I believe in myself. I’m going to hold onto this belt longer than anyone else.”
Adjusting to the demands of five-round championship rounds has already become his next focus, and he is leaving the matchmaking to ONE Championship founder Chatri Sityodtong.
“Whoever Chatri sets up for me, I’m ready. I’m sure there’s a long line of contenders waiting for me. We’ll definitely meet in the ring when the time comes.”
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