Superlek Kiatmoo9 ekes out razor close split decision win over rival Panpayak Jitmuangnon

ONE flyweight contender Superlek Kiatmoo9 used technical mastery to outpoint rival Panpayak ‘The Angel Warrior’ Jitmuangnon in their ONE catchweight Muay Thai bout. This took place at ONE 164 on Saturday, December 3rd, inside the packed Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.

The eighth meeting between the pair of Thai wrecking machines came down the wire. ‘The Kicking Machine' came away with a razor-close split decision win after three hard-fought rounds.

Given their familiarity with one another, the compatriots did not figure in a feeling-out process in round one and traded bombs early on. ‘The Angel Warrior’ came out on the offensive with precise leg and body kicks that scored him points from the judges. Superlek, however, managed to close the distance and land some damaging blows in the clinch.

The second round was more of the same, but Superlek ‘The Kicking Machine' Kiatmoo9 was able to pull away late by landing the crisper combinations. He masterfully attacked Panpayak’s head and body and countered nicely whenever the Jitmuangnon gym product threw hard shots.

Both fighters had their moments in round three, but Superlek’s counterstriking ultimately spelled the difference. Meanwhile, the match was supposed to be the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai Grand Prix Final but was changed to a catchweight bout after both fighters missed the mark.

Superlek Kiatmoo9 came in heavy on the scales, while Panpayak failed to pass a hydration test in the allotted time. He earned impressive wins over Walter Goncalves and Taiki Naito to get to this spot.

Panpayak, on the other hand, came in as a last-minute replacement for his teammate Rodtang Jitmuangnon for the Grand Prix semifinals. He knocked out Savvas Michael with a sensational head kick to reach the tournament final.

Superlek now holds a 3–4–1 record over Panpayak In eight meetings.

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Superlek Kiatmoo9 says he’s coming for Ilias Ennahachi’s flyweight kickboxing crown

After besting his rival, Superlek Kiatmoo9 already has his next match lined up.

The ‘The Kicking Machine’ is set to challenge Ilias Ennahachi’s ONE Flyweight kickboxing world title at ONE on Prime Video 6: Superbon vs Allazov. The event is slated for January 14, 2023, at Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

After his big win over Panpayak, Superlek had some fighting words for the world champion. He told Mitch Chilson:

“Ellias, I’m coming for you. Do not run away from me. I’m coming for your belt.”