ONE flyweight kickboxing world champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 has already accomplished some incredible things in his career. However, at ONE 168 in Denver, he is set to take on a new challenge and try to achieve a first in his career.
The Thai star has proved himself to be one of the best in the world, if not the best, during his time in the flyweight division.
On Sept. 6, he will move up to bantamweight to challenge Jonathan Haggerty for the Muay Thai world championship.
During a recent interview with the South China Morning Post, the flyweight champion was asked about whether he will stay at bantamweight to face different opponents. He said that it wasn't something he had been thinking about ahead of this contest:
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"I haven't thought about that at all. Like, if I move up to bantamweight, who would I like to fight? My main focus has always been Jonathan Haggerty, that was, like my only focus."
Superlek continued, adding that it is something that would be exciting to him because of all the new challenges that it would present:
"I feel like everyone in bantamweight are top fighters. So fighting anyone at that weight would be a new challenge for me. I have always been seeking challenges. It could be anyone. I am ready to fight anyone."
Watch the full interview below:
Superlek would be a great addition to bantamweight
Of course, if Superlek Kiatmoo9 was to get his hand raised at the Ball Arena in Denver, he would be both a two-weight and two-sport world champion. He's already proven himself to be in a very select group of the sport's elite competitors but this could see him take the top spot once and for all.
Up at bantamweight, there is a whole host of new names and faces for him to go up against that presents endless opportunities for first-time match-ups.
ONE 168 will air live in US prime time on September 6 but first, Superlek returns on June 28 at ONE Friday Fights 68 to face Kongthoranee Sor Sommai at Lumpinee Stadium on Asian prime time.