Freeweight champion Lone Chaw was constantly under pressure from the accurate punches of challenger Win Htun.

A BRUTAL fight between Myanmar freeweight kickboxing champion Lone Chaw and talented challenger Win Htun ended in a bloody draw at Yangon’s Kandawgyi Park on April 26.

The result was a big blow to the champion’s reputation as the 63-kilogram Win Htun controlled much of the fight, despite being two weight divisions below the 76kg Lone Chaw.

It was also Lone Chaw’s 10th straight drawn bout since becoming Golden Belt Champion for the second time, in September 2007, and after the fight some fans were left wondering how long he would remain freeweight champion.

“It’s is one of the best freeweight fights that I’ve ever seen in the past few months and [I thought] Lone Chaw was in big trouble from his opponent’s punches. I was amazed by Win Htun’s masterful performance,” said U Khin Maung Lwin, a traditional boxing enthusiast in his 50s.

“With this performance, I don’t think Lone Chaw will be able to defend his title in the coming fights, it seemss clear that he is past his peak,” he said.

From the beginning there was a sense this would be a special contest; wild cheering broke out as the fight started and excited spectators were not content to watch the fight sitting down – almost all stood up to catch the action.

From the first round Lone Chaw was under pressure, receiving a cut above his left eye that continued to bleed throughout the fight. The champion’s trademark powerful right punches were dampened by Win Htun’s neat footwork and ducking and he managed to evade the heavier blows.

Lone Chaw tried to finish his opponent with a powerful flying knee but Win Htun saw it coming and landed several right counterpunches on his opponent’s face, causing a gash above Lone Chaw’s eye that briefly required medical attention.

The second round was even and both fighters produced a variety of punches and kicks. Lone Chaw’s blows though did not have their usual effect as Win Htun again showed excellent footwork and neatly avoided his opponent’s punches.

The third and fourth rounds were more one-sided for the challenger Win Htun, who delivered a potent mixture of right kicks followed by one-two punches. His powerful blows to Lone Chaw’s left thigh and accurate one-two punches frequently hit the target and the champion appeared to be in serious trouble.

Despite the fact Win Htun appeared to be tiring, the crowd were sensing an upset going into the decisive final round. Lone Chaw’s supporters had been silenced as their man struggled through the third and fourth round and before the final round were visibly anxious.

But by that stage both fighters were exhausted and many times in the final round they locked themselves up. Lone Chaw began to assert some of his usual authority and smacked Win Htun to the canvas several times in search of a knockout blow. It was too little, too late for the champion though and the fight petered out into a draw.

“I’m surprised with this fight because I thought Lone Chaw would probably finish [Win Htun] by knockout, although I know Win Htun is a good fighter. I just thought the weight difference would be too great an advantage for Lone Chaw,” said Ko Soe Thiha, a Lone Chaw supporter.

“But it was an incredible fight and Win Htun was in superb form. In the fourth round I was worried that Lone Chaw was going to be knocked out and I certainly do appreciate Win Htun’s performance tonight,” he said.

Despite another drawn freeweight bout, fans left satisfied with the draw and raving about the performance of the two fighters, particularly Win Htun.

“I came here to see a win or lose result and again it ended in a draw – but this time is acceptable. It was an excellent fight and the money that I’ve paid for my ticket was well spent,” said spectator U Tint Lwin.