Kongthoranee Stunned By Chance To Fight ‘Idol’ Superlek At ONE Friday Fights 68
In just one day at ONE Friday Fights 68: Prajanchai vs. Di Bella, surging Thai slugger Kongthoranee Sor Sommai will share the ring with arguably the planet’s top pound-for-pound striker.
The 27-year-old is gearing up for his flyweight Muay Thai clash against reigning ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion “The Kicking Machine” Superlek Kiatmoo9 in front of a packed house at the historic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
For Kongthoranee, the opportunity to face a bona fide superstar like Superlek feels almost too good to be true.
Happy to admit that he’s a bit starstruck by his opponent, he told onefc.com that the fight offer came as a surprise:
“At first, I was shocked. Then I felt overjoyed. He’s been my idol for a long time. I didn’t think I would have the chance to fight him this soon.
“I actually hesitated for a while before taking the offer because he is the [Kickboxing] World Champion, but this opportunity may not come a second time. I have to grab it.”
While he’s quick to heap praise on Superlek, Kongthoranee is a world-class knockout artist in his own right and looks to be at the peak of his powers.
A two-time Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion with over 80 professional fights to his name, the Sor Sommai representative comes into this contest riding an incredible seven-fight winning streak – all against elite opposition at ONE Friday Fights:
“I’m in the best form of my career. My work is impressive, and I’m getting famous.”
Humble to his core, Kongthoranee isn’t about to offer an overconfident prediction, and he certainly isn’t expecting an easy fight against “The Kicking Machine.”
Instead, he’s keeping his nose down, focusing on keeping his body in top form, and doing everything he can to prepare for his foe’s all-around arsenal and dangerous kicking game.
He said:
“Superlek’s strengths are his skill and his lightning-fast kick. I have to work hard to deal with him.”
Kongthoranee Eyes World Title Shot Next
Beyond the fame and acclaim that would come with a victory over Superlek Kiatmoo9 this Friday, Kongthoranee Sor Sommai knows that a win could catapult him to a shot at gold.
Superlek is the #1-ranked flyweight Muay Thai contender. With that in mind, Kongthoranee hopes to steal his spot in the divisional pecking order and earn a crack at long-reigning titleholder Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon:
“If I can win against Superlek, I will be so happy. It’s like I’m going to the next level.
“I think a title shot against Rodtang is not far from my grasp.”
Considering his humble beginnings in rural Thailand, Kongthoranee says that holding 26 pounds of ONE Championship gold would represent an incredible achievement – one that could be just a couple of wins away.
He added:
“If I win the World Championship, I will be so happy. It would be the best moment of my life. I can’t even describe it.”
