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Superlek throws a kick at Rodtang at ONE Friday Fights 36. Photos: ONE Championship
Martial ArtsKickboxing

ONE Championship: Superlek ‘open to Takeru’ fight as well as Jonathan Haggerty rematch

  • ONE flyweight kickboxing king welcomes potential move up to bantamweight after a call-out from new two-sport champion Haggerty
  • ‘It’s all up to Chatri, so I am ready for anything. A rematch with Rodtang, a fight for a championship, defending my belt – anything,’ he says
ONE Championship
Nicolas Atkin
Nicolas Atkin
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Superlek Kiatmookao knows he has got a target on his back now after beating Rodtang Jitmuangnon – but also a number of big opportunities in ONE Championship.

When it comes to his next fight, ONE’s flyweight kickboxing champion is not ruling out a rematch with his compatriot, who kept the flyweight Muay Thai belt after Superlek missed weight.

But a title defence is also on the cards, as is a mega fight with Japanese kickboxing icon Takeru Segawa, who looks set to make his debut in January with ONE rumoured to be returning to Tokyo.

A move up in weight has also been mooted, after repeated problems on the scale over the last 12 months, and bantamweight two-sport champ Jonathan Haggerty has even called his name for a rematch after their 2018 fight in England ended prematurely.

“It’s actually up to Chatri [Sityodtong, ONE’s chairman and CEO], so I am ready for anything,” Superlek told the Post recently. “A rematch, a fight for a championship, defending my belt – anything.

“Since I’m the flyweight champion I actually want to stay in the weight class. But I’m also open to the opportunity to move up to bantamweight as well.

“Yes, of course I would want a rematch with Haggerty, but I don’t have anyone in mind. Anyone is OK – Takeru is OK, too.”

ONE Championship’s Rodtang denied entry at airport for Canada seminar tour

Takeru is in fight camp at the Boxing Works gym in California, but the identity of his opponent is not yet know.

“Ready for the fight,” he simply said, tagging ONE’s official Instagram handle, with some footage of himself sparring.

 

Whether it is Superlek or not, the two will undoubtedly soon meet in the ring, with the Thai’s trajectory surely set to continue to rise.

Superlek, who celebrated his 28th birthday this month, gained a host of new followers and fans following his controversial decision win over “The Iron Man” in September.

His social media numbers have skyrocketed, following what was “the biggest Muay Thai event in history”, according to boss Chatri.

Superlek looks on before a meet and greet with fans at ONE Fight Night 16 in Bangkok.

The flyweight kickboxing champion was even drafted in for a meet and greet with fans ahead of November 5’s ONE Fight Night 17 event at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok.

“I’m very happy and grateful for the fans and also very honoured to be able to take part in this,” Superlek added at the event.

“I feel like there are more fans for me, and also there are more people who know me after that Rodtang fight.”

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