"I'm for real" - Alexis Nicolas says beating Regian Eersel a second time will get him the respect he deserves

Despite becoming the lightweight kickboxing world champion, Alexis Nicolas feels a lot of people are still counting him out. 'Barboza', however, wouldn't have it any other way and knows he must erase all doubts by beating Regian Eersel anew in the main event of ONE Fight Night 25.

If the Frenchman can take out 'The Immortal' again, in a more definitive fashion no less, he believes the worldwide respect he's been longing for will soon follow.

Ahead of one of the most highly sought-after rematches in striking on Oct. 4 inside the fabled halls of Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium, Nicolas spoke to ONE about earning the appreciation he's due.

"Yeah, but not yet to the level that I want. I have to prove in my next fight and show the world that I’m for real."

Alexis Nicolas toppled a dynasty at ONE Fight Night 21 last April when he outclassed Eersel after five rounds to claim 26 pounds of gold.

It effectively ended the Surinamese star's pristine 10-0 run in ONE and handed him his first setback in 22 fights for the last eight years.

'Barboza' should no doubt be given his flowers if he pulls off another stunner at ONE Fight Night 25.

---

Alexis Nicolas says Regian Eersel will be in for a rough night in a do-over

Regian Eersel suffered a knockdown and got blasted with lightning-fast strikes for 15 minutes the last time he shared the ring with Alexis Nicolas.

According to 'Barboza', it will be 10 times worse for 'The Immortal' when they duke it out again in less than 24 hours.

The Mahmoudi Gym man told ONE in the same interview:

"I worked a lot with my team and it’s not like it will be the same for the next fight. It will be harder for him."

Prime Video subscribers in North America can watch ONE Fight Night 25 free as it happens live in US Primetime.