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The biggest reason why Jonathan Haggerty bitterly regrets his first loss to Superlek Kiatmoo9 is because he didn't get to go out on his own terms. These two world-class strikers first locked horns at a Yokkai event back in 2018.
At the time, 'The General' was still earning his keep in the striking world while 'The Kicking Machine' was already making waves.
Haggerty valiantly fought against his more seasoned Thai adversary. However, the match was stopped in round 2 after he sustained a gnarly cut above his left eye.
Despite the Brit's protests, the referee halted the bout and awarded Superlek the TKO win via doctor's stoppage.
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Haggerty, now a two-sport world champion under the ONE banner, recalled his first meeting with Superlek in a recent interview with the South China Morning Post:
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"I don't really think too much about it, but yeah, it was frustrating a little bit. I don't think it should have been stopped. I think a lot of people think it shouldn't have been stopped."
Meanwhile, Jonathan Haggerty no longer dwells on that loss and is thrilled for the opportunity to rectify that setback at ONE 168: Denver.
He'll put his bantamweight Muay Thai crown on the line against Superlek on Sept. 6 at the Ball Arena in one of the most high-profile matches of the year.
Watch the full interview:
Jonathan Haggerty admits he was still 'finding himself' in first duel with Superlek
If Superlek thinks he'll just walk over Jonathan Haggerty again this time around, he'll be sorely mistaken.
In a clip from his YouTube channel, 'The General' admitted he bit off more than he could chew in their first encounter. He said:
"I shouldn't have been in the ring with him. The style wasn't what it is now. I was still finding myself, and what style what I want to use."
Now stronger and wiser than ever before, Haggerty believes he'll get even at ONE 168: Denver.
Tickets for this blockbuster card are available via Ticketmaster.
