Surprised ONE Muay Thai belt holder Nabil Anane keen for Jonathan Haggerty superfight
Coach targets September clash as newly crowned Algerian-Thai champion outlines his bold plans in Muay Thai and kickboxing divisions
Newly crowned ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion Nabil Anane said he was ready for a superfight with Jonathan Haggerty – and his coach wanted it to happen as soon as September.
The 21-year-old was handed the belt inside the ring at ONE Friday Fights 114 late last month, after Superlek Kiatmoo9 failed to make weight for their rematch back in March. It marked an unusual coronation for one of the sport’s fastest-rising stars, but Anane took it in his stride.
“I didn’t know it was going to happen,” he told the Post. “It was a surprise – they told me on stage. But now I’m just happy. This is only the beginning.”
Many had expected a trilogy bout with Superlek, but Anane said he was open to other possibilities. Chief among them was a potential showdown with Haggerty, who holds the ONE bantamweight kickboxing title.
“Maybe Haggerty against me for the Muay Thai title,” Anane said. “He said he’s the one who’s gonna stop me. I’m not saying much. But if he wants to, let’s go.”
Anane’s coach, Mehdi Zatout, confirmed to the Post that the team would welcome the match-up in September.