Thai superstar Superlek Kiatmoo9 ticked off the first goal of his two-step plan for the remainder of 2024.
“The Kicking Machine” overcame a determined Kongthoranee Sor Sommai by unanimous decision in a flyweight Muay Thai contest at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on June 28.
At the ONE Friday Fights: Prajanchai vs. Di Bella post-fight press conference, the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion gave props to his opponent but promised a better showing in his next fight.
“I’m happy to get the victory, of course. But I’m not 100 percent satisfied with my performance, and I see a lot of room for improvement, and I will continue to improve myself,” he said.
“I don’t think the fight was easy. Of course, we are on a global level, nothing is easy, none of the fights would be easy. And I have known Kongthoranee for a long time. I’ve known him since we were fighting in five-round Muay Thai [fights]. He’s not an easy fighter, he’s a very good fighter. And I think today he did really well. He has exceeded my expectations.”
With the potential banana peel fight against Kongthoranee now in the rearview mirror, Superlek can set his sights on the United States.
Superlek Kiatmoo9 hopes to expand U.S. fanbase at ONE 168: Denver
ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 is confident that he will add a second 26-pound gold belt to his collection when he challenges two-sport bantamweight king Jonathan Haggerty for the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title at ONE 168: Denver.
Speaking to reporters after ONE Friday Fights 68, the 28-year-old promised another big performance for fans at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, on September 6.
“I’m very confident and I feel very hopeful about the fight with Haggerty. I’m really hoping I will win,” he said.
“I think it would be very different from what the fans have seen today. It’ll be a totally different game and I have determination to just go forward with that game. It will be very fun and entertaining. I’m aiming for more fans to know me in the United States and I’m aiming to win against Haggerty on that day.”
Superlek and Haggerty will be among the top attractions as ONE Championship returns to the United States for the first time since its triumphant debut, ONE Fight Night 10: Johnson vs. Moraes III, in May 2023.