Superlek Kiatmoo9 is dialing in his camp for ONE 168: Denver. ONE Championship’s flyweight kickboxing champion will try to continue his incredible success in the main event against Jonathan Haggerty for the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title. In preparation for the title tilt, the Thai athlete has been working with a sports scientist to make sure he is ready.
“He joined my team in June. We’ve been working closely since. We’ve spent a lot of time together, working on customized plans. We’re close,” Superlek remarked to ONE.
Superlek’s decision was influenced by some of his earlier troubles making the flyweight limit. It cost him an opportunity at flyweight Muay Thai gold in 2023. While this match is at bantamweight, Superlek does not want to bulk up and find himself unable to defend his flyweight crown down the line.
“I feel I’m more at ease with the weight-cutting process. It’s essential to have someone you can trust on your team. This is my first time moving up to bantamweight, so he’s been a big help. We’ve been doing weight training, making sure that strength is increased, but not too much muscle mass because I still want to be able to defend my belt at flyweight. His knowledge is definitely valuable. I feel prepared and supported in this fight camp,” the flyweight kickboxing king detailed.
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After working with his coaches, Superlek is even more a proponent of sports science. The Thai superstar sings their praises and wants other athletes to maximize their potential. According to “The Kicking Machine,” there is only so far you can go alone.
“Every athlete should work with a nutritionist and a sports scientist. They can help you develop your potential in incredible ways. If you train alone without these two, you might reach a certain level, but with their help, you can take your performance to the next level,” Superlek said.
Superlek’s coach was not unfamiliar with Muay Thai athletes. In fact, he was a fan of the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion before they ever began working together. In 2023, the two met like any ordinary fan and star would.
ONE 168: DENVER FIGHT CARD 🔥 ONE returns to Colorado with a loaded lineup on Friday, September 6, including Jonathan Haggerty and Superlek’s Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title duel, Kade Ruotolo and Mikey Musumeci’s submission grappling dream match and MORE on @primevideo!… pic.twitter.com/xeiwOOxrQ1
— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) August 5, 2024
“Yes, he was a fan. We met last year, and he got selfies and autographs of course. It’s great to have someone who’s into the sport itself to be part of the team. I’m happy that he joined. I believe we bond over our goals and passion for Muay Thai,” the bantamweight challenger stated.
The shared passion for success will have its first big test on September 6. Superlek can affirm his pound-for-pound status against Haggerty, and become a two-division, two-sport World Champion. And the Thai athlete will be happy to continue taking pictures with his biggest fan turned coach.
“We basically live together at the gym, so he is still getting lots of pictures with me,” Superlek said.
ONE 168: Denver airs live on Prime Video on Friday, September 6. The action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Remaining tickets for the event are available via Ticketmaster.
