Thai fighter withdraws from bout with Israeli opponent

Channel 12 News reported that they won’t fight for the championship belt.

By Dinah Bucholz, Jewish Breaking News

Thailand may be more famous for its food than its fighters, but it certainly hasn’t garnered a lot of attention for antisemitism—until now.

Recently, Israelis have reported harassment in the Southeast Asian country, and now a Thai champion withdrew from a scheduled bout with Israeli Muay Thai fighter Ahavat Hashem Gordon upon learning of his origins.

Saksri Superlek withdrew just 48 hours before the April 18 event, due to take place at the Žalgiris Arena in Kaunas, Lithuania.

The Lithuanian Unique and Talented Martial Artists (UTMA) organization will host the title match with a Spanish fighter who agreed to take Superlek’s place, but it won’t be quite the same.

Channel 12 News reported that they won’t fight for the championship belt.

On Feb. 21, Gordon fought a Turkish national, Ali Koyuncu, also hosted by UTMA in Lithuania. Then too, antisemitism reared its ugly head.

Koyuncu couldn’t seem to refrain from spewing hateful invective against both his opponent and Israel, Walla News reported at the time.

Gordon soundly defeated the Turkish fighter, who surrendered after just two rounds. In his triumphant moment, Gordon sported a kippah and draped an Israeli flag around his shoulders.

Perhaps Superlek would have met the same fate—if he’d had the courage to face off against a Roaring Lion.