‘A Small Mistake Can Put You To Sleep’ – Superball Prepared For Intense Debut At ONE Friday Fights 5

Thai striker Superball Tded99 has seen many of his compatriots become international stars in ONE Championship, and he wants the same for himself. 

This Friday, the 26-year-old will take his first step toward that goal when he makes his promotional debut against Kongklai Annymuaythai in the main event of ONE Friday Fights 5.

After watching one of his idols, Nong-O Hama, and a former foe in Superlek Kiatmoo9 win World Championship gold in the world’s largest martial arts organization, Superball is eager to follow in their footsteps.

He will now have an opportunity to impress the global fan base in a 138-pound catchweight affair at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. 

The Tded99 representative said:

“Nong-O is an all-rounder. He can hit hard from both left and right. I’ve been his fan since he fought in five-round Muay Thai [on the domestic circuit]. 

 “And Superlek, I congratulate him on becoming World Champion. It’s a big motivation for me to get a chance to join ONE Championship. 

 “I’m very happy that I can be one step closer to my dream by having the opportunity to fight at ONE Lumpinee.”

Superball has already compiled an impressive 70-19-1 record in “the art of eight limbs” – including an IFMA World Championship in 2021 – and he spent much of 2022 competing for the Thai national team en route to a World Games silver medal in the United States.

But despite all of that experience, he realizes that ONE Championship’s three-round fights will be different from what he’s used to, and he’s prepared for an aggressive, high-octane clash this Friday.

The Nong Bua Lamphu native said:

“My fitness is pretty stable because I keep training regularly, but I have to admit that my ONE Lumpinee match is different from an ordinary five-round Muay Thai match that encourages fighters to attack infrequently. This has caused me to change my training methods. 

 “I must be ready to go all-out from the start with a fast pace and tighter defense because you can’t parry [block] the punches well in small [4-ounce] gloves. A small mistake can put you to sleep.”

Superball Expects ‘Fierce Battle’ Against Kongklai

While Superball Tded99 has lofty hopes for his time in ONE Championship, he knows his first assignment won’t be easy.

A hard hitter, Kongklai Annymuaythai boasts a record of 75-15-5 and owns knockout wins over the likes of Seksan Or Kwanmuang and Alessandro Sara.

With that in mind, Superball knows he’ll have to deal with his compatriot’s pressure in the right manner if he wants to stay out of danger.

He explained:

“Kongklai is a southpaw with heavy punches and dangerous leg kicks. He’s well-armed. 

 “He will force me to walk towards him. If you move backward, he’ll have a greater chance of punching. But if I try to close the gap, it will be more difficult for him to punch.”

Superball believes it will be a game of tight margins when the two elite strikers come to blows, but regardless of the outcome, he thinks fans can expect an epic contest.

He added:

“This will be another fierce battle. Whoever fails first may decide the outcome of this fight.”