Shir Cohen headlines ONE Friday Fights 143 on February 20 at Lumpinee Stadium, carrying an 11-1 record and World Title ambitions into the biggest fight of her career.
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From Bullied Teen To Main Event Star: Shir Cohen’s Inspiring Journey To ONE Friday Fights 143
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Shir Cohen steps into the most important opportunity of her professional career this Friday, February 20, when she faces Myanmar striker Vero in the main event of ONE Friday Fights 143 at Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium.
The 25-year-old atomweight contender enters the bout with an impressive 11-1 record and clear ambitions of challenging for the ONE Women’s Atomweight Muay Thai World Championship. But Cohen’s rise to this moment was not built on privilege or natural advantages. It was forged through hardship, resilience, and a relentless desire to change her family’s future.
From Insecurity To Empowerment
Cohen grew up outside Tiberias, Israel, navigating a turbulent adolescence marked by her parents’ divorce and family instability. As the second-oldest of four children, she carried responsibilities beyond her years, helping care for her siblings and her ill mother.
At school, things were no easier. Lacking confidence and emotional support, she became a frequent target of bullying. Both boys and girls tormented her, and she rarely defended herself. Without stability at home or acceptance at school, she found herself at a breaking point.
Everything changed at age 15 when she discovered kickboxing.
The gym became her sanctuary. Training offered structure, discipline, and most importantly, belief. Martial arts gave her confidence and identity — transforming insecurity into empowerment.
“I started training because I felt lost… I used to get bullied sometimes from other girls or boys. I never stood up for myself,” Cohen said.
“Martial arts made me feel like I have something in myself. I have power. I have strength, and I’m worthy.”
Finding A Second Family At Fairtex
Cohen’s talent quickly became evident. She captured European and World Kickboxing Championships on the amateur circuit, opening doors internationally.
In 2021, she relocated to Pattaya, Thailand, to train at the renowned Fairtex Training Center, surrounding herself with elite talent and accelerating her development.
Training alongside ONE Championship stars elevated her skill set, but her transformation extended beyond technique. Fairtex founder Philip Wong became a pivotal figure in her life, offering guidance and stability during periods of financial strain and family hardship.
For Cohen, Fairtex became more than a gym — it became family.
“The best thing about Fairtex is Mr. Wong… He’s always been supporting me because he sees that I really want it,” she said.
That unwavering belief allowed her to focus entirely on chasing dreams that once felt unattainable.
World Title Aspirations Within Reach
After winning the Road to ONE: Thailand Season 2 tournament, Cohen earned her contract with ONE Championship and wasted no time making an impact.
She knocked out Teodora Kirilova in her promotional debut in March 2024, establishing herself as a serious atomweight threat. Five months later, she defeated Francisca Vera and then secured a decision win over former Lion Fight and Enfusion Champion Amy Pirnie in October 2024.
Injuries forced her to withdraw from two ONE Women’s Atomweight Muay Thai World Title opportunities last year. Now, her main event clash against Vero represents a pivotal comeback moment.
Vero enters with a 29-4 record and proven finishing ability. Cohen, however, brings momentum, youth, and the hunger of someone fighting for more than titles — she fights for her family, her future, and the bullied teenager she once was.
“I want to fight for the belt. I want the chance for a title shot. This is my dream,” Cohen said.
“I want to show how hard I worked and how hungry I am.”
From insecurity and hardship to the main event spotlight at Lumpinee Stadium, Shir Cohen’s journey is a testament to resilience — and on February 20, she has the opportunity to take the final step toward championship gold.
