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Andrew Whitelaw

Nabil Anane was ready to defend his ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title against Jonathan Haggerty at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena on Sunday – a dream match-up between two of the most exciting strikers in the sport. But when Haggerty withdrew through injury, the plan changed overnight.
Instead, the 21-year-old Thai-Algerian phenom will now face Japan’s Hiromi Wajima under kickboxing rules at featherweight at ONE 173: Superbon vs Noiri. It is a major test for Anane, who stands 1.93 metres tall (six feet, four inches) and is already regarded as one of the most gifted young talents in world Muay Thai.
“I’ve been preparing myself for two months, I’m not injured, and I don’t want to pull out,” Anane told the Post. “I just want to fight. This is one of the biggest cards of the year and I didn’t want to miss it.”
The switch in opponent and discipline could unsettle many fighters, but Anane has taken it in stride. He has already shown promise in kickboxing, and the move up to featherweight allows him to compete without a strict weight cut.
“There are many changes,” he said. “Different rules, different division, different opponent. But I’ve got this.”

Tokyo holds a special meaning for Anane, who has a growing fan base in Japan and an affection for its culture, and he has previously walked out dressed as One Piece’s Monkey D Luffy.
When asked about his love of anime, he smiled and said: “This is my character here in Tokyo. Of course I’ll bring some fire in the arena.”
The young champion remained respectful but ambitious. While he hoped the fight with Haggerty could be rescheduled, he was open to any challenge that helped him grow.
“If my next fight is to defend my title against someone, or even if it’s not Haggerty, it’s OK,” he said. “If I need to fight in kickboxing again, I will. It doesn’t matter.”
Anane will also be watching the rest of the card closely, particularly the featherweight kickboxing clash between Rukiya Anpo and Marat Grigorian. He sees both men as potential future opponents.


“I really like Anpo’s style,” he said. “This fight with Marat is going to be fire. Marat is tough, always coming forward, and Anpo is quick and technical.”
The move to featherweight would be an experiment for Anane, who admitted he was curious to see how his body reacted.
“This is my first time at featherweight,” he said. “I don’t know the damage I can handle or give, but we’ll see. I just started my diet and I’m feeling good.”

Asked about his favourite Japanese fighter, he gave the nod to Anpo, calling him a stylish and entertaining striker. As for fight of the night, Anane could not look past his Muay Thai roots.
“I really want to watch Nong-O [Hama] against Rodtang [Jitmuangnon],” he said. “They’re going to be killing each other in the cage. I also want to see Marat against Anpo, and Yuki Yoza against Superlek. There are so many great fights on this card.”
Whether in Muay Thai or kickboxing, Anane’s composure and self-belief stand out.
At just 21, he has already faced elite names and continues to chase challenges wherever they appear. ONE 173 will show how his skill and frame translate to a new division and how far this young champion can go under the Tokyo lights.


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ONE Championship: Nabil Anane to face Hiromi Wajima at ONE 173 after injury pull-out

Thai-Algerian Nabil Anane (right), seen here against Brazil’s Felipe Lobo. stands 1.93 metres tall and is regarded as one of the most gifted young talents in world Muay Thai. Photo: ONE Championship

Nabil Anane making his entrance as One Piece’s Monkey D Luffy against Superlek Kiatmoo9. Photo: Handout 

Nabil Anane is keen to watch the clash between Marat Grigorian (left) and Rukiya Anpo. Photo: Handout

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Nico Carrillo (right) trapped Luke Lessei into the corner before the referee stopped the fight. Photo: ONE Championship

Tawanchai PK Saenchai is the fighter Carrillo most wants to take on. Photo: ONE Championship

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Abdulla Dayakaev believes destiny is calling ahead of his clash with Thailand’s Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon at ONE Fight Night 37 on Friday. Photo: ONE Championship

Sport

Martial Arts

Muay Thai

Kickboxing

Towering Muay Thai world champion switches to kickboxing and moves to featherweight after Jonathan Haggerty’s late withdrawal


Towering Muay Thai world champion switches to kickboxing and moves to featherweight after Jonathan Haggerty’s late withdrawal.


Nabil Anane

Jonathan Haggerty

ONE Championship: Nabil Anane to face Hiromi Wajima at ONE 173 after injury pull-out

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Towering Muay Thai world champion switches to kickboxing and moves to featherweight after Jonathan Haggerty’s late withdrawal

Towering Muay Thai world champion switches to kickboxing and moves to featherweight after Jonathan Haggerty’s late withdrawal