Three-division ONE World Champion Anatoly Malykhin is always hungry for a good challenge. This past weekend, he witnessed a rising contender in Ben “Vanilla Thunder” Tynan pick up another impressive win at the expense of Australia’s Duke Didier at ONE Fight Night 21 inside the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. 

With his latest win, the undefeated Canadian improved his record to 6-0 and continued to endear fans with his formidable skills and colorful personality. Malykhin has certainly taken notice of Tynan, and he welcomes the talent the 30-year-old brings to the division. 

Anatoly Malykhin is drawn to a challenge like a nail to a magnet

“I’m glad to see some new faces in ONE. Strong opposition is exactly what I need,” the Russian powerhouse told ONE. “I’m happy there are guys who are not only good in the ring, but also developing their own style outside of it. They definitely bring something unique.”

From the moment “Vanilla Thunder” entered the ring last Friday night, he commanded the attention of fight fans with his unique ring attire. The Elevation Fight Team representative backed it up with a dominant performance. He dropped “The Duke of Canberra” with a devastating elbow and proceeded to pound his opponent on the ground until the referee called for the bell in the very first round. 

Tynan received a US$50,000 bonus for his effort – his second in as many fights in ONE – and Malykhin agreed that he earned it. “We all know Mr. Chatri always rewards fighters who deliver beautiful fights and who finish the fight in spectacular fashion,” he said. 

“If he decided to give him a bonus, then it’s well deserved. After all, the guy finishes 100 percent of his fights early – and as a heavyweight.”

The Triple Champion accepts

Following his win, Tynan boldly called out “Sladkiy” during his post-fight interview in the middle of the ring, claiming that the Russian superstar was only a middleweight, given that he holds that division’s crown along with the heavyweight and light heavyweight belts.

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Not one to turn down a challenge, Malykhin was quick to address the tumultuous words, and he even went as far as to offer a potential date for a showdown with the new divisional name. “I’m looking forward to sharing the ring with him. I think America sounds like the perfect place to really put him to the test,” Malykhin said.

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