Superlek open to moving up in weight: “I want new challenges in my life”

Superlek Kiatmoo9 finds himself at a crossroads contemplating the next step in his illustrious career.

The Thai megastar defended his ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title against Takeru Segawa at ONE 165 over the weekend. However, it seems that the challenge has only fueled his appetite for more.

In the aftermath of his hard-fought win at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan, he openly discussed the possibility of exploring the unchartered waters at bantamweight.

“For me, going up to bantamweight is a very good thing because I think that I want new challenges in my life,” he said.

Staying put in the flyweight division is not off the table for Superlek. There is a clamor for a rematch against Rodtang Jitmuangnon for his compatriot’s divisional Muay Thai crown.

Both men crossed paths in September 2023 at a catchweight with Superlek getting the victory by unanimous decision.

However, Superlek seems to be drawn to the opportunities available at bantamweight, where Jonathan Haggerty currently reigns as the king of both kickboxing and Muay Thai.

“I can continue in the flyweight division, but going up to bantamweight is something I am very interested in as well,” he said.

Superlek praises Takeru following grueling battle at ONE 165

Superlek Kitamoo9’s recent encounter with Takeru Segawa was no walk in the park.

“The Kicking Machine” acknowledged that Takeru brought out the best in him. The Japanese man pushed him to his limits in a battle that could have gone either way.

“There’s no surprise [about how Takeru performed]. That’s why he’s the top fighter in the world. I thought that I’m the heavy hitter, but I could not take him down, I could not drop him at all,” Superlek said.

“He just kept coming right at me, so he deserved to be one of the top fighters in the world.”