Panpayak Jitmuangnon insists that his rivalry with Superlek Kiatmoo9 is far from over despite already facing each other a whopping eight times. 'The Angel Warrior' has indeed been 'The Kicking Machine's toughest adversary, evidenced by their epic all-striking wars over the years.
These two Thai compatriots last fought at ONE 164 in 2022, in a back-and-forth contest that saw Superlek win by the narrowest of margins. Panpayak has bore witness to his nemesis' ascent to two-sport and two-division supremacy under the ONE banner.
Still, the 28-year-old warrior is confident he'll have the double champ's number once their paths cross anew. He told ONE:
“I’m not at my best right now, but I’m confident that we’ll meet again in the future. I think I’ll be Superlek’s toughest opponent if I can get back into my best form.”
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However, don't expect Panpayak to go up a weight class and challenge 'The Kicking Machine' for his bantamweight Muay Thai crown, adding:
“It’s a bad idea for me to go up to the bantamweight division right now. Because if I do, I’ll be at a huge weight disadvantage. So forget about a rematch with Superlek in the bantamweight division. I can’t do it right now. But maybe in the future."
As it stands, Panpayak is still ahead in his eternal rivalry with Superlek, leading the overall series score at 4-3-1.
Panpayak admits Superlek is now on a whole different level
While Panpayak took a lengthy break from competing, Superlek went on to become arguably the greatest striker on the planet pound-for-pound.
'The Angel Warrior' said during the ONE Friday Fights 92 press conference:
"Superlek has leveled up all his weapons, including his elbows and kicks. He has various weapons he could show in the ring. If I have the opportunity, I would like to face Superlek, as I have trained for him as well."
For now, Panpayak must climb the ladder to earn his way to a match-up with the double champion. The Jitmuangnon Gym star can pick up his second straight win if he beats Egor Bikrev at ONE Friday Fights 92 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
ONE Friday Fights 92: Sitthichai vs. Shadow will air live in Asian Primetime on December 20 in more than 190 countries around the globe.