‘I Actually Wobbled Him’ – Suakim Recaps His Career-Defining Upset Win Over Nabil Anane At The Inner Circle 25
Against all odds and defying every expectation, Suakim PongSuphan PK faced the most daunting challenge of his storied career and produced its greatest result.
The 30-year-old Thai veteran toppled former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nabil Anane via split decision in a pulsating main event at The Inner Circle 25, which streamed live exclusively via live.onefc.com from Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium this past Friday, August 7.
Suakim, a former three-division Lumpinee Stadium World Champion, typically enters the ring with his foot firmly on the gas pedal. However, staring up at an overwhelming eight-inch height deficit against Anane, that trademark fighting instinct had to be suppressed for a far more calculated approach.
The opening frame unfolded as an uncomfortable reality check. The 22-year-old Algerian-Thai striker pieced him up with his spear-like limbs to dominate from the outside, finding his mark with thudding jabs and straight rights. Forced to swing at air, the decorated veteran’s offense was largely neutralized before it could ever take shape.
Suakim recalled:
“I didn’t dare rush in or trade recklessly like other fighters because his strikes are seriously heavy, man, and he’s a very difficult opponent to fight.
“I thought since he’s a bigger fighter, he might be slower than me when I tried to feint or close the distance. But man, as soon as I made a move, his kicks and punches landed right on my face and legs.”
A brief moment of doubt was quickly erased by encouragement from his corner. Re-energized, Suakim shifted into a higher offensive gear in the second round, firing bolder punches and ripping hard low kicks to chop down his 6-foot-4 rival’s base.
The Chanthaburi native’s calculated pressure culminated in a massive payoff – a fierce right hook to the body and a deceptive left to the chin dropped Anane to the mat, much to the surprise of fans in attendance at Lumpinee Stadium.
Landing that precise combination delivered a true eureka moment for the PK Saenchai Muaythaigym representative, proving that his towering foe was not indestructible after all.
Suakim added:
“I felt it land flush. When he went down, I didn’t think he was hurt. But as soon as he got up, I saw his eyes rolling back. I was like, ‘Damn, he’s actually rocked!’ Just as the referee moved in for the count, I felt this rush of excitement, thinking, ‘Wow, I actually wobbled him.’
“But at the same time, I knew round three was going to be absolute hell. He’d definitely come at me with everything he had.”
As expected, a frenzied Anane refused to go away quietly, unleashing a furious third-round surge that tested every ounce of Suakim’s resolve. Ultimately, that unbreakable warrior spirit kept him upright to survive the storm.
Hearing his name on the scorecards brought instant relief. After the most grueling war of his 220-fight career, Suakim’s admiration for his young adversary only deepened.
He shared:
“When I first saw Nabil in person, I really liked him. I’d watched his funny videos on social media before we were ever matched up. Right after our fight, the first thing I told him was, ‘Bro, I’m gonna send you a Facebook request, okay?’”
“But jokes aside, he’s still young and has so much room to grow. If he wants a rematch, I’m game.”
Suakim Eyes A Golden Future In His Career Rebirth
Suakim PongSuphan PK’s winning streak now stands at eight, the longest active run in the bantamweight Muay Thai division. Another life-changing US$50,000 performance bonus – his second in his last three fights – made the night even more memorable.
For a man who once openly admitted to losing everything to his vices, a financial windfall like this carries a weight far beyond its monetary value. Suakim approaches it now with the measured wisdom of someone determined to secure his family’s future while still in his athletic prime.
The veteran revealed:
“I’m going to save it for now. Land or houses back home cost at least two million baht. I’ll save up, maybe start a business, and try to get another bonus. I need to spend wisely.
“I want to stay in ONE for as long as I can to build my future and my legacy. A fighter’s career doesn’t last forever. When I eventually hang up the gloves, I’d love to start a small business or make desserts.”
Aside from the well-deserved financial incentive, beating Nabil Anane in a World Title eliminator has set Suakim up perfectly for a shot at the 26 pounds of gold.
Now, he awaits the winner of the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship showdown between reigning divisional king Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon and his PK Saenchai Muaythaigym teammate Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri at The Inner Circle 30 on September 11.
Regardless of the complex gym dynamics, Suakim approaches the World Title conversation with quiet ease, content to let the chips fall where they may.
He concluded:
“That’s up to Mr. Chatri and the ONE team. Like I said, I don’t obsess over winning belts, but if a title shot comes, I’d gladly take it.
“To Rambolek: give it your all against Yod-IQ and get that win! But if Yod-IQ wins the title … well, we’ll see each other at the gym.”
