In the aftermath of ONE 165, ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 has asserted himself as the best striker in the world. And according to ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong, nobody else comes close to “The Kicking Machine.”
Sityodtong sang praises for the Thai icon following his successful World Title defence against Japanese megastar Takeru Segawa in Tokyo, Japan, this past Sunday, 28th January at Ariake Arena.
Superlek’s name has often been uttered in the same breath as Takeru’s and ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon’s. But with “The Kicking Machine” holding decision wins over both men, Sityodtong believes Superlek is in a league of his own.
“I think there is a very interesting trilogy situation between Superlek and Rodtang, Superlek and Takeru, and Rodtang and Takeru. You know these are the three best-of-the-best strikers on the planet,” Sityodtong said.
“These are World Champions, any rule set. Takeru told me he also wants to fight in Muay Thai as well, so there's another series of fights. I haven't decided, but of course [at ONE 165] Superlek showed he is the best in the world.
“I want to add that right now, Superlek is pound-for-pound the best kickboxer in the world.”
After dominating the flyweight realm, Superlek’s interest now lies in the bantamweight division.
There are many interesting names for the Thai star to match up with in the weight class across Muay Thai and kickboxing. Former ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Hiroki Akimoto and two-sport ONE World Champion Jonathan Haggerty are key names in the bunch.
Sityodtong is also interested in seeing what Superlek can achieve against the best in the bantamweight world.
“If any Japanese fans or any fans around the world didn't know Superlek, tonight they know who Superlek is. I know Superlek eventually wanted to move to bantamweight. But in the past, Superlek struggled with making our system of hydration and weight,” the ONE Chairman and CEO said.
“He has since hired a nutritionist. He made flyweight very easily this time without struggling because he ate proper nutrition, he understood how to hydrate his body.
“He used the cutting edge science, which is the first time in the history of his career, and that's made a big difference. I think Superlek can fight in flyweight as well as bantamweight. Let's see, but I have very big plans for Superlek. He's the number-one [kickboxer] in the world.”
