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ONE Championship: Chatri wants Zhang Peimian vs Rui Botelho rematch, questions judges’ decision
- Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong believes Zhang won Fight Night 16 kickboxing bout, thinks ref ‘missed flash knockdown’ on Botelho
- ‘I don’t think Rui is a qualified title challenger, so I want a rematch with him as soon as possible, any time,’ frustrated Zhang says backstage
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ONE Championship boss Chatri Sityodtong wants to see a rematch between Zhang Peimian and Rui Botelho after a controversial split decision at the weekend.
Former strawweight kickboxing title challenger Zhang demanded the promotion run it back after questioning his loss in Bangkok on Saturday morning.
China’s “Fighting Rooster” was all set to book a title rematch with champion Jonathan Di Bella had he been victorious at ONE Fight Night 16.
But his Portuguese opponent threw a spanner in the works, earning his first win since March 2019, snapping a 4-fight losing skid across both Muay Thai and kickboxing.
Two of the ringside judges at Lumpinee Stadium – Shane Byrne and Michael Green – scored the fight 29-28 for Botelho. Zhang earned the same score from the other judge, Ricky Sewell, with some fans left questioning the decision on social media.
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