Double Champ Superlek Reveals How Fight Against Takeru Changed His Life

Add as a preferred source on Google

Superlek Kiatmoo9's name has become synonymous with striking. Now, the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai and Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion will showcase his extraordinary skills again when he unifies belts with interim bantamweight Muay Thai king Nabil Anane at ONE 172 on 23 March.

"The Kicking Machine" is arguably the greatest pound-for-pound striker in the world right now. So expect fans to flock to Saitama Super Arena in Japan to see him compete. However, this was not always the case for the two-sport, two-division world champion.

When he made his ONE Championship debut in 2019, people outside the Muay Thai community were unaware of him. But he gradually climbed the ladder and became the most feared striker in combat sports. For this reason, he credits the promotion for providing him with this platform.

"I never thought I'd be this famous. I have to thank ONE for giving me the opportunity to compete in this promotion. If you ask me how I deal with the growing fame, I just act natural. I'm not the person to get carried away by the spotlight and fame," Superlek said.

"I always try to behave well, practice diligently, and be disciplined because I know that many young fighters look up to me. I always try to convey good things to everyone so that they can learn and use them."

With an astonishing record of 15-1 in ONE, the Buriram native has defeated Rodtang Jitmuangnon, Takeru Segawa, and Jonathan Haggerty. The 29-year-old, however, believes that his fight and victory against Takeru made him more recognizable.

This all-time classic bout took place in 2024, when Takeru and Superlek brought down the house with their performance. In the end, the Kiatmoo9 gym athlete won by unanimous decision. And the fight took place under kickboxing rules, which is the Japanese legend's bread and butter.

"The turning point that made me famous was when I joined ONE. There were many fights where I was seen as the underdog, but I won those fights, which made me more and more famous - especially after the fight where I beat Takeru," Superlek said.

"Many people said I had no chance against him, but I beat him, which made my followers increase a lot. After that fight, I gained a lot of Japanese fans. I was able to fly to Japan to teach Muay Thai seminars in which hundreds of people came to learn."