‘I’m Faster Than Him’ – Superlek Sees Clear Path To Victory Against Rising Star Kongthoranee
Pound-for-pound great “The Kicking Machine” Superlek Kiatmoo9 is ready for a dangerous test on June 28 at ONE Friday Fights 68.
Live in Asia primetime, the Thai superstar will square off with surging knockout artist Kongthoranee Sor Sommai in an intriguing flyweight Muay Thai tilt.
As the reigning ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion and the #1-ranked flyweight Muay Thai contender, Superlek is widely regarded as one of the planet’s most talented strikers, boasting recent victories over the likes of megastars Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon and Takeru Segawa.
For his part, Kongthoranee is a two-time Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion and will enter this contest on an incredible seven-fight winning streak at ONE Friday Fights, having showcased his immense power and world-class technique.
“The Kicking Machine” admits that his opponent is a real knockout threat. At the same time, he thinks Kongthoranee’s relative lack of speed will be his undoing.
Superlek told onefc.com:
“He has knockout power but is also very technical. He’s slow, though. I do think he’s great. He’s confident and on top of his game.”
Indeed, the flyweight kickboxing king is arguably the division’s fastest striker and plans to utilize his blazing hand speed and lightning-fast kicking game against Kongthoranee.
Ultimately, Superlek is confident that his quickness advantage will lead to an early knockout and keep him safe in the ring:
“I feel like I’m faster than him. For sure, I will try to end the fight either as soon as possible, or with no major injury.”
Notably, the Thai is also scheduled to move up in weight and challenge Jonathan “The General” Haggerty for the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title at ONE 168: Denver on September 6 – just three months after facing Kongthoranee.
Even though Kongthoranee is not yet a global superstar on par with Haggerty, fans can rest assured that Superlek will leave everything in the ring at ONE Friday Fights 68.
He added:
“Kongthoranee and Haggerty are two different people with different styles. I don’t think the game plan will be the same for these two.
“However, I have always put 100 percent of my effort into every fight. Fans can expect a great performance from me, and I’m sure for Kongthoranee too. It’s going to be a great fight.”
Superlek Excited For World Title Fight With Haggerty In Denver
When Superlek Kiatmoo9 squares off with Kongthoranee Sor Sommai, he’ll be competing in his natural division of flyweight.
When he takes on Jonathan Haggerty just a few months later, “The Kicking Machine” will be making his ONE bantamweight debut.
Superlek says the changing circumstances won’t be easy but remains supremely confident that they won’t affect him against Kongthoranee:
“The only thing that kind of worried me a bit is the process of cutting weight and putting it back on. Before being offered the fight with Kongthoranee, I was putting on weight to prepare for my fight with Haggerty.
“Now, I’m cutting it back, and right after, I will have to make it to bantamweight. I’m not worried at all about the fight, though.”
Beyond challenging “The General” for bantamweight Muay Thai gold, Superlek is particularly excited to make his long-awaited debut on United States soil.
He views ONE 168: Denver as an opportunity to show American fans what makes him so special and connect with new supporters across the globe.
The 28-year-old added:
“It’ll be a great experience to fight in front of the new fan base. It’s been huge for me to have more fans from around the world.”
