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Despite being restrained, Konyuncu managed to deliver a kick to Gordon’s midsection before officials were able to separate the fighters and restore order.
By Shula Rosen
Israeli Muay Thai fighter Ahavat Hashem Gordon defeated Turkish opponent Ali Konyuncu on Saturday night in Kaunas, Lithuania, winning a bout that followed a heated confrontation between the two fighters a day earlier, the Jerusalem Post reported.
The match ended in the second round after Gordon knocked Konyuncu to the canvas with a strike to the head, prompting officials to stop the fight and award Gordon the victory. The decision came after Konyuncu was seen bleeding heavily from a wound on the side of his head when the fighters were separated.
The bout followed a tense face-off on Friday during the official weigh-in, where Gordon appeared wearing an Israeli flag draped over his shoulders.
During the customary verbal exchange that precedes high-profile fights, the confrontation escalated when Konyuncu lunged toward Gordon’s neck. Security personnel immediately intervened, restraining both fighters as they attempted to break free.
Video footage of the weigh-in incident later circulated on social media, showing the two fighters struggling against those holding them back.
Despite being restrained, Konyuncu managed to deliver a kick to Gordon’s midsection before officials were able to separate the fighters and restore order.
Saturday’s fight itself lasted two rounds. The opening round concluded without a clear advantage for either competitor, as neither fighter was able to establish control or land a decisive sequence.
In the second round, Konyuncu connected with an uppercut, briefly gaining momentum. Moments later, Gordon responded with a powerful blow to the head that sent Konyuncu to the floor.
Following the stoppage, judges ruled that Konyuncu was unable to continue, ending the contest and handing Gordon the win. No additional rounds were fought.
Israel’s Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar, a member of the Likud party, responded to Gordon’s victory in a post on X late Saturday night. “Another brilliant victory for our Israeli fighter,” Zohar wrote.
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