“I'm still big on boxing” - Nico Carrillo says he’s a huge fan of boxing star Canelo Alvarez

Second-ranked ONE Championship bantamweight Muay Thai contender Nico Carrillo is a huge fan of 'the sweet science.' He says it's because he can watch boxing without having to worry about fighting the guy on TV.

Carrillo is one of the most talented Muay Thai kickboxers on the planet. The no.2-ranked ONE bantamweight Muay Thai fighter, Carrillo is considered by many to be the future of 'the art of eight limbs.'

But watching world championship boxing, Carrillo says, is one of his greatest pastimes. Speaking to Leather'd Podcast in a recent guest appearance, Carrillo shared why he loves to watch boxing so much.

'King of the North' said:

"No, probably not [I would never miss a big fight]. I'm still big on boxing. I love MMA as well, and Thai boxing. No, Thai boxing-wise isn't like that for me. When I'm watching boxing, I just sit back as a fan and enjoy the fight, whereas I can't do that with Muay Thai."

Carrillo added:

"No, I would smash him, or he's on the come up, or I can bump into him soon. So I can't sit and enjoy it, whereas I'll sit and watch a fight, or probably, mate, you just see because you're Scottish, so I'm like, but anybody else is like, sit back and enjoy the fight, doesn't it. Does that make sense?"

When asked who his favorite boxer to watch is, there was only one answer. Carrillo replied:

"Canelo Alvarez."

Nico Carrillo to challenge two-division, two-sport king Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 170

Nico Carrillo will get the chance to add to his greatness when he takes on Thai icon Superlek Kiatmoo9 for the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title.

They will clash at ONE 170 on Prime Video, which broadcasts live in U.S. primetime from the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, Jan. 24.

Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.