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Andrew Whitelaw

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.
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.
In Tokyo on Sunday, Superlek, the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion, has the chance to reaffirm his dominance, when he defends his title at ONE 172.
“I’m very excited to be in Japan,” he told the Post. “I think the stadium will be full of fans, and I’m looking forward to showing my skills in my own style.”
Superlek, a two-sport champion in Muay Thai and kickboxing, is proud to be part of what many are calling one of the best striking cards in history.
“I’m very happy to be on this card, where so many great fighters are competing,” he said. “It’s a great honour, and I’m just excited to be here.”
His opponent has improved significantly since their last fight, growing into his frame and looking stronger than ever. But Superlek remains unfazed.

“I don’t have much to say about Nabil’s improvement,” he said. “I feel like his body is how it should be for someone in bantamweight. I don’t really think much about that. I just focus on the fight.”
Fans are expecting a highly technical bout, but Superlek is ready for anything.
“It depends on how the fight goes,” he said. “I have prepared for everything. I’m ready to be aggressive, I’m ready to be technical. I’ll just invite him to fight, and we will see what happens.”
Anane has a rare height advantage in Muay Thai, but Superlek is not concerned.
“I don’t really focus on his height,” he said. “It depends on the fight. There will be moments where he’s not standing tall, moments where he is coming down. I’ll find my opportunities.”
Many believe this could be the fight of the night, though the blockbuster clash between Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Takeru Segawa is also drawing attention.

There is speculation that the winner of Superlek v Anane could face the winner of Rodtang v. Takeru.
“For me, maybe it’s possible because I am the kickboxing champion at flyweight,” he said. “But for Nabil, I’m not sure.”
Rodtang and Superlek are not just rivals but also training partners. The Thai stars have even tested their grappling skills together, with Rodtang hinting at a possible MMA fight between them.
“I think it would be a great challenge,” Superlek said. “It’s something I’ve never done before. We’ve fought in Muay Thai, we’ve fought in kickboxing. MMA would be a new challenge.”
Asked about his own MMA aspirations, Superlek admitted he still has a lot to learn.
“I know a little bit, but I don’t think I am ready to compete in MMA yet,” he said. “When I first watched it, I thought it was very aggressive, very violent. But then I realised it’s actually similar. There’s attack, counterstrike, counter-attack. You need to use your brain, you need skills. It’s very interesting.”


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ONE Championship: Liam Harrison ‘wants a war’ with Soe Lin Oo when pair meet at ONE 173

ONE Championship: Adrian Lee on stunning ONE 172 win – I want to be ‘greatest ever’

ONE Championship: Rodtang stuns Takeru with sensational first-round knockout at ONE 172

ONE Championship

ONE 172: Superlek Kiatmuu9 out to make short work again of 1.93-metre Nabil Anane in Tokyo

Nabile Anane (right) will face Superlek Kiatmoo9 for a second time at ONE 172. Photo: ONE Championship

Nabil Anane, still just 20, is the tallest fighter on the ONE Championship roster. Photo: ONE Championship

Rodtang Jitmuangnon (left) will face Takeru Segawa (right) in the ONE 172 main event. Photo: ONE Championship

ONE Championship: Anane determined to avenge devastating Superlek defeat at ONE 172

Nabil Anane holds the bantamweight Muay Thai title after his win over Nico Carrillo at ONE 170. Photo: ONE Championship

Nabil Anane (right) will face Superlek Kiatmoo9 (left) for a second time at ONE 172. Photo: ONE Championship

Coleman Wong becomes first Hong Kong tennis player to win ATP Masters 1000 tournament match

Hong Kong’s Coleman Wong looked comfortable against his German opponent, his coach James Allemby says. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Sport

Martial Arts

Muay Thai

The diminutive Thai, who is the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion, defends his title at Tokyo’s Saitama Super Arena on Sunday


The diminutive Thai, who is the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion, defends his title at Tokyo’s Saitama Super Arena on Sunday.
