Government Rallies Around First-Ever Malaysian ONE World Champion Aliff Sor Dechapan
History does not always stay confined to the ring. Sometimes it echoes all the way to a nation’s highest office.
Aliff Sor Dechapan defeated Muay Thai legend Sam-A Gaiyanghadao via fifth-round knockout to claim the ONE Interim Strawweight Muay Thai World Title at The Inner Circle 23 on Friday, July 24. The historic win made Aliff the first-ever Malaysian ONE World Champion, and the reaction from Malaysia’s highest office followed almost immediately.
Aliff dropped the 42-year-old veteran with a stinging right hand in the finale, and after Sam-A bravely climbed back to his feet, a second crushing right hand ended the contest at the 1:09 mark. The result improved his overall record to 63-9 and his ONE mark to 10-2, earning him a US$50,000 performance bonus.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who had rallied his countrymen to tune in ahead of the historic bout, was among the very first to publicly offer his congratulations.
“Congratulations to Aliff Rakib on making history as the first Malaysian to become a ONE Championship World Champion,” Anwar said.
“This achievement not only brings pride to the nation but also proves that Malaysia’s young people possess the ability, courage, and determination to compete and succeed on the world stage.”
The Prime Minister also highlighted how Aliff’s journey serves as inspiration well beyond the sporting world.
“May this historic accomplishment inspire more young Malaysians to pursue their dreams with determination, discipline, and an unwavering fighting spirit,” Anwar said.
“Well done, Aliff. Malaysia is proud of your achievement.”
The adulation did not stop at the Prime Minister’s office. Malaysia’s Ambassador to Thailand, Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah, delivered his own congratulations ringside in the emotional aftermath of the victory.
“I’m here to give the support and of course to congratulate the new champion, Mr. Aliff Rakib,” Abdullah said.
“We came with the full hope that he will win and he has won it. So congratulations again to him.”
The Ambassador even floated the idea of Aliff one day competing on home soil against another champion, should ONE Championship make the arrangement. For now, all eyes turn to the newly crowned interim titleholder’s in-ring faceoff with reigning champion Prajanchai PongSuphan PK, which followed moments after the finish and set the stage for a unification bout between the division’s two kings.
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