Superlek Kiatmoo9 Praises Danial Williams, Eyes Rodtang Jitmuangnon’s Muay Thai Gold
It was a tumultuous event week for Superlek Kiatmoo9, but the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion kept his cool and retained his gold at ONE Fight Night 8.
When his original opponent, Rodtang Jitmuangnon, was forced to withdraw due to injury, “The Kicking Machine” had to adapt to a new challenger in Danial Williams with just days to prepare.
Nonetheless, he delivered a sterling performance at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Friday, March 24.
After a patient start, Superlek dialed up the intensity on his Australian rival to secure a third-round stoppage victory, as well as a US$50,000 performance bonus.
The Thai star was especially thrilled with the outcome because he had felt immense pressure in the days leading up to his first ONE World Title defense.
Superlek said:
“I am very happy that the fight is over. I am very relieved. I’m really relieved because I can still keep this belt with me. And I really tried my best during the fight.”
Superlek was also quick to praise Williams, ONE Championship’s #5-ranked strawweight Muay Thai and MMA contender.
The Aussie fearlessly moved up in weight to challenge one of the world’s best pound-for-pound strikers on short notice. And while that’s something “The Kicking Machine” admires, it also forced him to be at the top of his game.
He said:
“I would like to thank Williams for accepting this fight last minute. He’s a very strong fighter. I respect his heart. I respect his courage. I have nothing to say except thank you very much.
“I am happy with my performance because I trained very hard. I had a lot of determination to win against any opponent. I feel good about my performance.”
Rodtang Is Still The Top Target For Superlek
With his first ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title defense in the bag, Superlek Kiatmoo9 can now look ahead to upcoming challenges.
He is still determined to face Rodtang Jitmuangnon at some point, which would undoubtedly be one of the biggest fights in ONE Championship history. And whenever that happens, “The Kicking Machine” promises he’ll be prepared.
Superlek said:
“I do not have anyone specific in mind to defend my title. If the next one who will be challenging me for the belt in kickboxing is Rodtang, I am ready.”
The 27-year-old Thai superstar also has his eyes on another piece of gold.
Superlek would like to challenge Rodtang for his compatriot’s ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship, and as the #1-ranked contender in the flyweight Muay Thai division, he feels like he is next in line after Edgar Tabares gets his shot at the gold at ONE Fight Night 10: Johnson vs. Moraes III on Prime Video on May 5.
“The Kicking Machine” said:
“Of course, I think I deserve to challenge him for the title. Rodtang is the number one in Muay Thai, so I would like to try that.”
