Phetjeeja Lukjaoporongtom Reflects on Historic Victory over Janet Todd

In a momentous showdown at ONE Fight Night 20, Phetjeeja Lukjaoporongtom emerged victorious in the main event, defeating Janet Todd in what would mark Todd's retirement fight. Lukjaoporongtom, also known as "Pet," delivered a poignant message to her opponent, expressing her gratitude for being a part of Todd's final bout.

"It's such an honor to fight Janet Todd in her retirement fight. I’m very happy that I was part of her last fight so she can remember me, and I can remember her. It’s a historic moment for both of us," said Lukjaoporongtom, acknowledging the significance of the occasion.

Despite facing immense pressure leading up to the match, with Todd being the reigning champion, Lukjaoporongtom revealed how she managed to overcome the weight of expectations.

"Of course, there was a lot of pressure for me because she [Janet Todd] was also the champion. I just kept telling myself not to think about the fight and not to stress out as much and to just go with the flow," she shared, reflecting on her mindset before entering the ring.

When asked about the toughest opponent between Todd and Anissa Meksen, Lukjaoporongtom diplomatically acknowledged the challenges posed by both fighters.

"Both of them are very strong and were both challenging. I can’t compare both of them and decide which one was the most challenging, but I would think that they’re both challenging in different ways. I’m very happy to be able to get past both challenges," she remarked, showing respect for her adversaries.

Looking ahead, the possibility of facing Allycia Hellen Rodrigues looms, with Lukjaoporongtom acknowledging the likelihood of a future encounter.

"I think there’s a high chance of us facing each other soon. Champion versus champion. I think it’s more likely that I'll go for the Muay Thai belt," she stated, hinting at her aspirations for future competitions.

Reflecting on her victory on an all-female card coinciding with International Women’s Day, Lukjaoporongtom emphasized the importance of showcasing women's empowerment in sports.

"I'm happy about my victory but more importantly, I feel like it’s rare to see women showing others that we can choose any path and it’s important to show that we can choose any career that we love, and it doesn't have to be anything traditional anymore. I loved seeing the confidence of the women coming out and being inspired by us," she expressed, highlighting the significance of women's representation and empowerment in the sporting world.

Phetjeeja Lukjaoporongtom's triumph at ONE Fight Night 20 not only cements her legacy in the sport but also serves as a testament to the strength and resilience of female athletes on the global stage.

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