ONE Championship 171, set to feature the much-anticipated fight between kickboxing stars Ilias Ennahachi and Petchthong Petchfergus, was called off on the day of the event, leaving fans disappointed. Originally scheduled to take place on September 27, 2023, in Qatar, the cancellation arose from Ennahachi's inability to meet the required weight and subsequent health concerns.
Ennahachi, who had initially been optimistic about making weight, ran afoul of the scales during the weigh-in process. He reportedly weighed over the limit for the bantamweight division, which is set between 135 and 145 pounds. Although Petchthong expressed willingness to fight at catchweight, circumstances evolved leading to the fight’s cancellation.
On the day of the fight, Ennahachi's medical team determined he was unfit to compete, forcing him to withdraw from the match. “Due to fans who love everyone, I was really looking forward to this fight, but unfortunately, I had to withdraw. I fell ill two weeks before the match...,” Ennahachi shared with his followers on social media.
Petchthong had expressed hopes of going head-to-head with Ennahachi, wanting to showcase his abilities and not merely collect his fight purse. The Thai fighter noted, “I prayed he wouldn’t miss weight… I just wanted to show my performance more than anything.”
The build-up to this match had fans on the edge of their seats. Enthusiasts of kickboxing were particularly excited about the prowess both fighters possessed—their styles and skills were expected to engage the audience intensely. Unfortunately, those expectations were dashed when Ennahachi's situation became apparent.
Ennahachi shared his struggle during the weight management phase leading up to the event. While he felt he could shed the extra weight, he reported difficulties when he arrived at the venue. “I noticed it was harder to lose weight than before,” he expressed, indicating how his body didn’t respond the way he expected. “I tried my best, and it turned out my body had problems. I apologize to ONE and Petchthong for the disappointment,” he added, emphasizing the impact the situation had on him personally and professionally.
Petchthong supported his opponent during this tumultuous time, displaying sportsmanship when Ennahachi approached to apologize for the fight cancellation. He stated, “He came to apologize to me, saying his body wasn’t ready. I encouraged him, saying it’s okay. We can meet again; just take care of your health first.” This kind of camaraderie between fighters often resonates well within the sporting community.
While the cancellation marked a disappointment, both fighters still hold the potential for future encounters. The kickboxing community is hopeful for eventual matches between these two talented athletes. Fans will eagerly anticipate news of rescheduled bouts or new matchups to settle the score.
For updates on ONE Championship and this matchup, fans can keep tabs on ONE Championship Thailand's official Facebook, the ONEFC.com website, and their social media platforms.
Overall, the cancellation serves as a reminder of the challenges athletes face, both physically and mentally, as they prepare for competition. Fighters continually manage the pressures of weight, health, and performance expectations. The story doesn’t end here for Ennahachi and Petchthong, as the future still holds promising match-ups.