"That was something totally unexpected" - Suakim describes explosive finish against Jake Peacock at ONE 173

The left hook had been there all fight, but patience rewarded Suakim Sor Jor Tongprajin when it mattered most.

The 30-year-old Thai dynamo delivered a devastating third-round TKO of Canadian-British standout Jake Peacock at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, November 16, inside Tokyo's Ariake Arena.

During his post-fight interview, the Thai striker revealed that the fight-ending sequence unfolded in a way he never anticipated across the first two competitive rounds.

"Going into the fight, my left hook is something I'd always try to land. But Jake was so good at using his right arm well to block those shots," the PK Saenchai warrior told members of the media following his win.

"And coming into the third round, that was the moment that Jake dropped his guard, and my hand just landed on his face to get that clean finish. That was something totally unexpected," the Thai continued.

Watch his full post-fight interview here:

Before the Thai turned the match on its head, 'The One,' son of former Chelsea footballer Gavin Peacock, had successfully neutralized Suakim's power shots across two highly competitive frames, using his superior boxing defense to create problems for the aggressive Thai warrior.

But at just 26 seconds into the third round, the Road to ONE: Canada tournament winner made a critical mistake. His defensive shield that had blocked Suakim's left hooks throughout the bout dropped momentarily.

The Thai veteran recognized the opening instantly and unleashed a crushing left hook that landed flush, sending Peacock crashing to the canvas and forcing the referee's immediate intervention.

His spectacular finish earned him a US$50,000 performance bonus from ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.

Missed any of the action? Head to live.onefc.com to secure your PPV replay tickets for ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri.

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Suakim's impressive run in ONE Championship

Suakim's victorious outing in 'The Land of the Rising Sun' earned him his sixth straight promotional win, a run that would put the division on notice.

After losing two fights in his first three outings, the 30-year-old has been unstoppable on the global stage.

His road to redemption kicked off with a huge second-round finish of Moroccan-Turkish fighter Deniz Demirkapu, and months later, he eked out a majority decision over Englishman Otis Waghorn.

The Thai slugger wrapped up his 2024 campaign in ONE Championship with a highlight-reel win over fellow countryman Panrit Lukjaomaesaiwaree at ONE Friday Fights 92 in December.

This year alone, he has gone 3-0 against Peacock, Zafer Sayik, and Komawut FA Group.