Superlek “refused” to go 5 rounds with Nabil Anane at ONE 172.
36 hours earlier than ‘The Kicking Machine’ was set to unify his ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world championship with Nabil Anane’s interim title, Superlek failed to satisfy hydration necessities for the extremely anticipated conflict. Because of this, Superlek was stripped of his strap.
Many assumed the combat would transfer ahead with solely Anane being eligible to win the title at ONE 172, as was the case when Smilla Sundell misplaced her title on the size final Might. Nevertheless, that was not the case. As an alternative, the five-round title tilt was downgraded to a three-round catchweight with little info supplied as to why.
Instantly following the festivities inside Saitama Tremendous Enviornment, ONE CEO Chatri Sityodtong provided some perception into the state of affairs, revealing that Superlek straight-up refused to go 5 rounds with Anane. To save lots of the combat, ONE officers agreed to knock it down to a few rounds and take away any title implications.
“Superlek really stated he didn’t wish to combat, so our crew had to determine a method,” Sityodtong revealed on the ONE 172 post-fight press convention. “They stated if it’s a three-round combat, then he would settle for the combat. That is from my crew. I used to be not concerned on this dialogue. However Superlek was not going to combat, so Nabil had no opponent.
“For us at that second, I believe my crew made the decision. However the subsequent combat that is smart is a world title combat between Nabil and Superlek. A full 5 rounder” (h/t Nick Atkin of The Bangkok Publish).
Nabil Anane was not completely satisfied about leaving Japan with out an undisputed title regardless of defeating Superlek
Nabil Anane ended up profitable the combat, defeating Superlek by way of unanimous resolution and avenging the loss he suffered in opposition to the Thai famous person in his promotional debut.
Sadly, the victory didn’t earn Anane the undisputed title as marketed, which understandably upset the 6’4″ sensation.
“Successful in opposition to Superlek means rather a lot to me, as a result of this was my dream and my first objective, and I’ve achieved it,” Anane stated previous to Sityodtong’s feedback. “I really feel dangerous it wasn’t a match with a title, however what can I do?
“I don’t know. I made lots of sacrifices for this combat. To face Superlek and win was one in every of my targets, however I believed I might have the belt right here with me. But it surely’s OK, subsequent time.
Anane additionally spoke about his rigorous coaching routine for the combat, revealing that he was waking up at 5 p.m. each night and coaching at midnight while fasting throughout the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
“It was very troublesome for me to adapt my schedule, very arduous,” Anane added. “I really feel like I may have achieved higher, however I sacrificed rather a lot for this victory over Superlek. Every thing went in accordance with plan and because of [coach] Mehdi Zatout and my crew, who got here up with a plan and skilled me arduous for this combat.”
