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. In consequence, Superlek was stripped of his strap.
Many assumed the battle 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 dimensions final Could. Nevertheless, that was not the case. As a substitute, the five-round title tilt was downgraded to a three-round catchweight with little info offered as to why.
Instantly following the festivities inside Saitama Tremendous Area, ONE CEO Chatri Sityodtong supplied some perception into the scenario, revealing that Superlek straight-up refused to go 5 rounds with Anane. To save lots of the battle, ONE officers agreed to knock it down to a few rounds and take away any title implications.
“Superlek actually said he didn’t want to fight, so our team had to figure out a way,” Sityodtong revealed on the ONE 172 post-fight press convention. “They stated if it’s a three-round battle, then he would settle for the battle. That is from my workforce. I used to be not concerned on this dialogue. However Superlek was not going to battle, so Nabil had no opponent.
“For us at that moment, I think my team made the call. But the next fight that makes sense is a world title fight between Nabil and Superlek. A full five rounder” (h/t Nick Atkin of The Bangkok Submit).
Nabil Anane was not glad about leaving Japan with out an undisputed title regardless of defeating Superlek
Nabil Anane ended up profitable the battle, defeating Superlek by way of unanimous resolution and avenging the loss he suffered towards the Thai celebrity in his promotional debut.
Sadly, the victory didn’t earn Anane the undisputed title as marketed, which understandably upset the 6’4″ sensation.
“Winning against Superlek means a lot to me, because this was my dream and my first goal, and I have 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 numerous sacrifices for this battle. To face Superlek and win was considered one of my targets, however I believed I’d have the belt right here with me. But it surely’s OK, subsequent time.
Anane additionally spoke about his rigorous coaching routine for the battle, revealing that he was waking up at 5 p.m. each night and coaching at midnight while fasting in the course of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
“It was very difficult for me to adapt my schedule, very hard,” Anane added. “I feel like I could have done better, but I sacrificed a lot for this victory over Superlek. Everything went according to plan and thanks to [coach] Mehdi Zatout and my team, who came up with a plan and trained me hard for this fight.”
