‘Kicking Machine’ Superlek set for exciting showdown with ‘Gladiator’ Khaled
Two-time Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 is coming off a resounding victory over Panpayak Jitmuangnon at One: No Surrender a few weeks ago.
Tapped to return to action in a little over a month’s time, Superlek can’t contain his excitement ahead of his next bout. The man they call “The Kicking Machine” faces former WMC Intercontinental Muay Thai Champion Fahdi “The Gladiator” Khaled of Tunisia at One: A New Breed II, an event previously recorded from Bangkok, Thailand, which is set for broadcast this Friday (September 11).
Superlek feels he is carrying a lot of momentum heading into his next contest. Speaking ahead of his showdown with Khaled, Superlek expressed gratitude towards One Championship for calling him back to the ring.
“Yes, it’s a very quick turnaround for me to come back and fight so soon, so it makes me feel good. My last fight was only just recently, so I still feel as sharp as a blade,” said Superlek.
“I would like to thank One Championship for this great opportunity. It means a lot to me.”
Widely considered one of the best strikers in the world, especially in Muay Thai, Superlek is considered a “Muay Femur”, known to possess technique mastery and high-fight IQ. He is dangerous and can finish any match by knockout, or just as easily outscore and outperform an opponent.
Against Khaled, however, Superlek faces an international opponent on the world’s biggest global stage of the competition.
Khaled trains out at the famed Venum Training Camp in Pattaya under Muay Thai World Champion Mehdi Zatout, along with One Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Alaverdi Ramazanov. “The Gladiator” boasts a professional record of 40-8-0, with more than half of his victories ending in thrilling knockouts courtesy of his heavy hands and fearlessness in the ring.
Despite Khaled posing a tough challenge, Superlek knows victory is imperative. He wants to win to maintain the honour and pride of Thailand.
“I’ve seen his previous fights. I can say he is a good fighter. He has good punches and speed,” said Superlek.
“But I have to win this for all my Thai fans. I hold the pride of my country each time I fight, and I want to honour Thailand. I want to give the people hope. In my mind, I want to win, and I’m looking forward to it.”
The main One: A New Breed II event featured a showdown between four-time Muay Thai World Champion Pongsiri PK Saenchaimuaythaigym and former WBC Super Lightweight World Champion Sean “Clubber” Clancy of Ireland. The event also showcased the highly anticipated debut of PBA Thailand Champion Supergirl Jaroonsak Muaythai, who took on Argentinian Muay Thai Champion Milagros Lopez.
One: A New Breed II will be broadcast on Friday on the One Super App, YouTube One Championship and AIS Play at 7.30pm and Thairath TV 32 at 10.40pm.
