Superlek Kiatmoo9 was simply on another level in the main event of ONE Fight Night 12 this past weekend, so much so that it begged the question of who can possibly end the Thai superstar’s nine-fight winning streak.
The ONE flyweight kickboxing world champion dominated Russian contender Tagir Khalilov over two rounds at the Friday, July 14 event inside the historic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, to score the finish.
As Superlek continues his campaign for a shot at a ONE muay Thai world title, we break down three potential opponents he could face next on the global stage.
1. Rodtang Jitmuangnon
It’s the fight that has eluded the world since 2019.
Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Superlek have been the standout stars of the flyweight muay Thai division since then, and “The Iron Man” currently holds the world title, with his Thai compatriot occupying the No. 1-ranked contender spot.
The pair were booked to lock horns in a highly anticipated super-fight in March of this year, but an injury forced Rodtang to pull out.
Superlek took on Danial Williams instead, stopping the Aussie-Thai in the third round to cement his place at the top of the weight bracket.
After recovering, Rodtang traveled to the United States and returned to successfully defend his flyweight muay Thai crown against Edgar Tabares at ONE Fight Night 10 in May.
The time has been right for some time now to finally put the blockbuster showdown together again, but both fighters have distanced themselves from tackling each other in favor of pursuing other targets – with the shared goal of keeping as many world titles as possible in Thailand in mind.
2. Jonathan Haggerty
The newly minted ONE bantamweight muay Thai world champion is the man who seems stuck in Superlek’s crosshairs lately.
“The General” shocked the world at ONE Fight Night 9 in April when he knocked down longtime divisional king Nong-O Hama three times in the opening round to claim the coveted belt.
Haggerty has no shortage of suitors to kick of his defensive run of the world title, but Superlek has repeatedly thrown his hat into the ring for first crack at him.
While it would be the Thai superstar’s first foray in the bantamweight division if it were to materialize, there is no doubt that Superlek vs. Haggerty would be a box office smash.
3. Takeru Segawa
Japanese kickboxing sensation Takeru Segawa’s signing to ONE earlier this year was accompanied by a great deal of fanfare.
At the moment, “Natural Born Crusher” is patiently waiting for his first opponent on the global stage to be named, and Superlek could be a good fit.
Segawa had a distinguished kickboxing career in his home country, so naturally ONE’s flyweight kickboxing king will be on his radar.
Superlek would have significant skin in the game if they were to meet. A bout with such a distinguished kickboxer would be the perfect way for him to cement his position as king of the flyweights, and it would bolster his push for a shot at gold in muay Thai.
