Israeli Muay Thai champion Ahavat Hashem Gordon returned to Israel following a decisive technical knockout victory over Turkish fighter Ali Koyuncu, who had posted a series of anti Israel messages on social media ahead of the bout.

Upon landing, Gordon offered Birkat Hagomel, the traditional Jewish prayer recited to thank God for deliverance from danger. The blessing is commonly said after surviving travel, illness, or other life threatening situations. He also recited Mizmor LeToda, Psalm 100, a biblical song of thanksgiving traditionally said in gratitude for salvation.

In an emotional moment, Gordon received a siddur from his rabbi titled “Ahavat Hashem Siddur,” sharing the same name as the fighter, which means Love of God.

The 19 year old fighter, nicknamed “Golden Boy,” dominated the matchup from the opening bell. He repeatedly landed powerful combinations, overwhelming Koyuncu and controlling the pace of the fight.

The second round followed a similar pattern. Koyuncu appeared increasingly frustrated as Gordon continued to press forward. By the end of the round, the Turkish fighter was bleeding from a blow to the side of his head and was struggling with what appeared to be a serious leg injury. Before the third round could begin, the referee stopped the fight, awarding Gordon a technical knockout and securing his eleventh straight professional victory without a loss.

Gordon comes from a family deeply rooted in the sport. He is one of eight siblings, and six of them are also competitive Thai boxers. His mother, born in Hong Kong with Thai and Philippine ancestry, converted to Judaism and married Israeli American Azriel Gordon, who passed away four years ago.

His older brother, Ruach Hashem Gordon, won a silver medal for Israel last year at the Muay Thai World Games in China.

With a flawless 11 and 0 professional record, including six knockouts, Gordon has quickly risen as one of Israel’s most promising fighters. As a K1 World Champion, he carries both athletic excellence and visible Jewish pride into every arena he enters.

For Gordon, this latest victory was not only about sport, but about faith, identity and representing Israel on the world stage.