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Alexis Nicolas hopes that once his rivalry with Regian Eersel is wrapped up, the two can become friends.
In April, Nicolas shocked the world when he scored a unanimous decision victory over 'The Immortal' to claim the ONE lightweight kickboxing world championship in just his second promotional appearance.
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This Friday, Oct. 4, the two lightweight warriors will run it back inside the legendary Lumpinee Stadium as ONE Championship presents ONE Fight Night 25 live and exclusively on Amazon Prime Video in both the United States and Canada.
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Speaking about his opponent during a recent interview with the promotion, 'Barboza' had nothing but respect for Eersel, calling the former two-sport king a "good guy" and expressing hope that the two of them can one day bury the hatchet:
"And for me, Regian is a good guy," Nicolas said. "I feel Regian is a good guy, but he's in my way, so I have to fight him. And after this he can become my friend. But now he’s my opponent."
Alexis Nicolas is feeling as confident as ever despite those who dispute his win over Eersel in April
With 26 pounds of ONE Championship gold wrapped around his waist and a perfect 24-0 record, Alexis Nicolas is riding into 'The Land of Smiles' with a wave of confidence.
Still, the Paris native enters his 25th career fight with a chip on his shoulder after fighters and fans — including Regian Eersel — disputed the judges' scoring in their first meeting.
Going into Friday's clash, 'Barboza' believes he'll be even better than before and is optimistic that he'll prove the doubters wrong and show the world that his win over 'The Immortal' at ONE Fight Night 21 was no fluke.
"I was better that day, and I will be better the next time we meet. So I think it was the right decision, I would have scored it the same way. I'm better now, I hope he got better as well."
ONE Fight Night 25 will air live via Amazon Prime Video in the United States and Canada on Friday, Oct. 4 in U.S. primetime.
