The victory was about far more than sport. Israeli Muay Thai fighter Ahavat Hashem Gordon delivered a dominant performance on Saturday night, forcing Turkish opponent Ali Koyuncu to retire after just two rounds in a bout charged with political tension and antisemitic provocations.
From the opening bell at the Žalgirio Arena in Lithuania, Gordon showed clear superiority in two particularly aggressive rounds, as emotions between the fighters spilled into the ring. After sustaining heavy punishment, Koyuncu withdrew, claiming he could no longer step on his foot.
The bout had been preceded by weeks of hostility. Koyuncu openly displayed political animosity toward his Israeli rival, raising his middle finger at Gordon and issuing antisemitic threats. The situation grew serious enough that the Israeli Embassy in Lithuania requested reinforced security around Gordon ahead of the fight.
In the lead-up to the match, the Turkish fighter posted a series of pro-Palestinian messages on social media, alongside harsh statements and threats directed at Gordon that drew widespread attention and numerous responses.
In videos shared to his personal accounts, Koyuncu appeared alongside a countdown clock to the fight, using inflammatory language and speaking of the "bloodshed" he expected his Israeli opponent to suffer. In one post, he wrote that on February 21 he would face an Israeli fighter and called on the entire Turkish nation to support him.
Tensions were also evident during the pre-fight face-off event, when Koyuncu attempted to choke and kick Gordon. The Israeli fighter stood his ground, proudly draped in an Israeli flag.
