Latest news with #Thai-Algerian
Bangkok Post
4 days ago
- Sport
- Bangkok Post
ONE Championship: Nabil throws subtle dig at Superlek, ready for Haggerty after shock belt promotion at Friday Fights 114
Nabil Anane is ready to defend his newly earned ONE Championship crown – firing a subtle shot at Superlek after his surprise elevation from interim status. The 21-year-old was promoted to undisputed bantamweight Muay Thai champion during an in-ring interview at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, moments after his younger brother Yonis made a successful debut at ONE Friday Fights 114. Asked whether a bout with former titleholder Jonathan Haggerty might be next, Anane kept things simple. 'If it should be [Haggerty], of course, why not?' he told the Bangkok Post. 'I won't refuse any fights – just come on weight and let's fight.' The Thai-Algerian star was understandably smiling after months of frustration were washed away, following former champion Superlek's weight miss and hydration fail before their clash at ONE 172 in Saitama, Japan in March. Anane won that fight by unanimous decision but was left empty-handed despite Superlek being stripped of the belt on the scale. ONE chairman Chatri Sityodtong later said at the post-event press conference that Superlek had refused to go five rounds, meaning the fight could not be contested for the title. In a May interview, Superlek told the Bangkok Post he had been open to a five-round title fight and was unsure why it didn't happen – comments Chatri disputed, saying the Thai had personally told ONE officials he would only accept a three-round bout. Those claims frustrated Anane, the Bangkok Post understands, though he kept quiet publicly – until now. Friday's shock announcement brought an end to that saga. With no warning, Anane was invited into the ring at Lumpinee and informed mid-interview by commentator Mitch Chilson that he was no longer interim champion, but officially the undisputed bantamweight king. 'Yeah, of course I was surprised because I didn't know this – they didn't tell me before,' he said. 'I just came here, my brother got a win, I was happy. They called me up, I thought they were going to announce a fight or something. But then they just said I'm now the champion. 'I was very surprised, very happy. I didn't have any words – I was shaking.' Anane said the past few months had been difficult to process, but the moment was worth the wait. 'This is my first time being this happy,' he added. 'I just want to thank them so much. I didn't know what to do.' A potential rematch with Superlek appears unlikely for now, with 'The Kicking Machine' on an extended break, but Haggerty – who also holds ONE's bantamweight kickboxing belt – remains a strong candidate to face Anane next. And after a wild few months of interim belts, weigh-in drama and confusion, Anane is just happy to have clarity – and ready to defend his place at the top. 'I like Japan,' he said, eyeing a potential return at ONE 173 on November 16 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo.
South China Morning Post
21-03-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
ONE 172: Superlek Kiatmuu9 out to make short work again of 1.93-metre Nabil Anane in Tokyo
Superlek Kiatmuu9 is a name that will be talked about in Muay Thai circles through the ages. Already a veteran of more than 170 fights, with a trophy cabinet fit to burst, he is 'built different'. If he were to retire tomorrow, he would go down as one of the best fighters to ever pick up the gloves. Advertisement On Sunday at Japan's Saitama Super Arena, the 29-year-old has a chance to enhance his legacy further by shutting down Nabil Anane – one of the most exciting young talents in the game – again. In 2023, he faced a unique challenge in Anane, one of the most dangerous rising stars in the division. At 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 metres) tall, the Thai-Algerian fighter boasted a huge reach and an iron will, making him an opponent most would rather avoid. But Superlek made short work of him, knocking him out with a body shot in the first round and dishing out the first knockout loss of Anane's career. Since then, Anane has put together a six-fight winning streak and has evolved significantly. He will look to prove that he is the future of Muay Thai.
South China Morning Post
15-03-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
ONE Championship: Anane determined to avenge devastating Superlek defeat at ONE 172
Nabil Anane told the Post he is determined to avenge the only knockout loss of his career when gets into the ring with Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 172 in Tokyo on March 23. Advertisement The 20-year-old has already established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in Muay Thai but fell to Superlek in the first round when they met in 2023 – a humbling moment for the towering 6'4 Thai-Algerian. But rather than let that defeat define him, he used it as fuel. Since then, he has put together a dominant six-fight winning streak, capped by a stunning stoppage win over Nico Carrillo at ONE 170 to claim the interim bantamweight Muay Thai title and a US$50,000 bonus. 'Yes, because I have lost once and now is my revenge – I'm the underdog for sure,' Anane said of his coming fight with Superlek. Anane is no stranger to big fights. Despite his age, he has already faced and beaten some of the world's best. But he said this one feels different. Advertisement 'This second time, I really don't want to lose,' he said. 'And it's going to be a great fight.'
