“He is my only focus right now” - Nico Carrillo says he’ll worry about Superlek once he finishes the job against Nabil Anane

Nico Carrillo's ultimate goal is to capture the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title from Superlek Kiatmoo9. However, 'King of The North' admits it would be foolish to ignore the challenge in front of him in his pursuit of fighting the pound-for-pound best striker in the world.

In lieu of 'The Kicking Machine's knee injury suffered in training, Carrillo will now face no.5 ranked contender Nabil Anane for the interim bantamweight Muay Thai crown at ONE 170 this Friday, Jan.24, at Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

Speaking to the Bangkok Post's Nick Atkin before his world title opportunity, Carrillo explained that he's motivated to blast Anane into oblivion to set up that coveted unification bout with the mighty Superlek.

"Of course, [I’ll fight Superlek]. But listen, I’m solely focused on Nabil. And he is my only focus right now. But the minute after I beat Nabil, then we can talk about Superlek. But my only focus right now is Nabil."

Nico Carrillo not underestimating Anane is indeed a wise choice. The towering Algerian-Thai star is on a five-fight winning streak, including massive wins over grizzled veterans Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai and Felipe Lobo, among others.

For now, at least, Carrillo is putting on the blinders and giving Anane his full and undivided attention.

Check out the interview in its entirety:

---

Nico Carrillo admits initial frustration after Superlek pulled out

Nico Carrillo poured blood, sweat, and tears in the gym after receiving a well-earned world title opportunity against Superlek.

Imagine his frustration after getting the phone call about the Thai's sudden unavailability. After composing himself and getting a new opponent, Carrillo went back to work and accepted that it was completely out of his hands.

The Scottish warrior said in a Sports Illustrated interview:

“It was a kick in the nuts, I was devastated, to say the least. Obviously, I’d already been training for eight weeks really hard prior to [the injury], but the fact that I’d literally just landed in Thailand, flew my full team out, family were here, family members, and friends had all booked flights for this undisputed fight, it was a kick in the nuts."

ONE 170 will air live in Asian Primetime via watch.onefc.com.