Superlek Kiatmoo9 will be making a couple key returns on June 23. The ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion will return to Lumpinee Boxing Stadium for the first time since 2017, and he will return to the national sport of Muay Thai against Nabil Anane at ONE Friday Fights 22.
The decision was easy for “The Kicking Machine.” He put ink to paper as soon as he got the call from ONE Championship to return to the famed venue. And the highly anticipated bout was set.
“[I switched from kickboxing] because I want to fight at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium. I miss this place. When the ONE team called me and told me that the fight will take place on June 23 at Lumpinee, I was so excited. I accepted the offer immediately,” Superlek told ONE.
The drive to make his triumphant return was because of ONE Friday Fights. The weekly event series has delivered insane results week in and week out. Superlek wanted to be a part of the festivities that he got to witness each week.
“Every time I watch [ONE Friday Fights], they always hype me up. I want to be part of this program. And I said to myself, ‘Someday, I want to come back to fight at Lumpinee again,’” Superlek stated.
ONE Friday Fights 22 is a massive event. The ONE Heavyweight World Championship unification bout between Arjan Bhullar and Anatoly Malykhin is garnering a lot of attention, and a deep roster of striking stars will also bring the heat. Being alongside the countless stars is an honor of the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion.
“This is a historic event of ONE Lumpinee, and I’m sure there will not be an empty seat left. The stadium will be crowded with fans. I’m honored to fight at ONE Lumpinee and be on the same card as many elite fighters like Seksan [Or Kwanmuang], Sam-A [Gaiyanghadao], Prajanchai [PK Saenchai], Superbon [Singha Mawynn], and so on,” the Thai superstar said.
Superlek is unquestionably excited for the chance to walk back out into Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. However, when he steps into the ring, Anane will look to spoil the party. “The Kicking Machine” understands there is still a big threat awaiting him, and he is taking it seriously.
“Underestimating my opponent is the last thing I will do. Everyone can make mistakes, and I won’t be careless. I think it is a good test for me to face a rangier striker like him and to see if my game plan works,” Superlek remarked.
Entering as the favorite, it could be easy to be overconfident. But that is not what has made Superlek great. The Thai athlete is looking at the unique challenges of the matchup against the Algerian to draw motivation. Circled on his board is the height and reach disadvantage he will be against in Bangkok. Superlek is looking to prove he can handle the physical and mental pressure he will be under on June 23.
“Some people say he will be an easy task for me. But personally, I think there are no easy fights for me at all. Every opponent coming my way must be good enough, Nabil included. I can say that he is the tallest opponent I have ever fought with. Man, it is almost a [7-inch] height difference! Moreover, he’s not only tall but also possesses a variety of weapons.”
ONE Friday Fights 22 will be live from Lumpinee Boxing Stadium on June 23. The action begins at 8:30 a.m. ET/5:30 a.m. PT. The event will air for free on ONE’s official YouTube channel.
