Superlek Reflects On ONE Friday Fights 22 Win, Talks Jonathan Haggerty Callout

ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 made his first appearance under Muay Thai rules this year on Friday, 23rd June, at ONE Friday Fights 22. 

Strapping on the four-ounce gloves in Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium, “The Kicking Machine” faced the giant task of battling 6-foot-2 striking prodigy Nabil Anane. But he passed with flying colors, scoring a knockout just over two minutes into the first round.

Before the fight, many fans wondered how Superlek would approach the 19-year-old’s staggering height and reach differential, as it is not one often seen in a Muay Thai contest. 

But he showed out in signature style, hacking at the Thai-Algerian’s legs to find his way inside, where he attacked to close the show with lethal hands. 

Looking back on his performance, the flyweight kickboxing king admits he was wary of Anane’s arsenal and conscious of the advantages he would hold, but he was also confident that he knew what to do in order to leave Bangkok’s iconic striking venue with the win.

“I was actually worried at the initial stage,” Superlek said. “I just tried to keep the distance very short because he was very tall, and his reach was very long. So I decided to start the fight at a closer distance.”

“Actually, I was shocked that they offered me this fight because he’s very tall. He’s the tallest opponent I’ve ever faced. But I’m also very happy to fight in Lumpinee Stadium again.”

Having continued his unbeaten run in ONE’s Muay Thai ranks, the top flyweight contender was quick to announce what he wanted next. In his post-fight interview, Superlek called for ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Jonathan “The General” Haggerty.

Haggerty once reigned over the flyweight division, but the pair never locked horns during his tenure. In keeping with his drive to claim a second ONE World Title, “The Kicking Machine” said he’d like to challenge the British striking superstar’s newly acquired gold.

“The General” swept longtime bantamweight Muay Thai king Nong-O Hama off the throne this past April at ONE Fight Night 9, so along with grabbing a second belt, Superlek would like to exact some revenge on behalf of his compatriot.

“Jonathan is indeed a very good fighter, a very tough fighter. I really want to know how my skills would play out in that fight,” Superlek said.

“I think it was all about the timing. Nong-O got punched first, so it was all about the timing. I was a little bit disappointed about the result, but it’s ok. I still want the belt to be with Thai people.”

ONE Friday Fights series continues this coming Friday with yet another stacked card from Lumpinee Stadium!