“He’s amazing” - Superlek Kiatmoo9 has nothing but praise for old rival Panpayak’s triumphant return in Bangkok
They may be rivals, but Superlek Kiatmoo9 couldn't be happier to see old foe Panpayak Jitmuangnon capture the win in his return to competition.
Panpayak ended his nearly two-year personal sabbatical when he captured the unanimous decision win over Silviu Vitez at ONE Friday Fights 83.
Superlek was in attendance at the historic Lumpinee Stadium and even waited for Panpayak in the arena's back hallways to congratulate his eternal rival on a triumphant comeback.
In a video that ONE Championship shared on Instagram, Superlek was seen dapping up the 28-year-old superstar and telling those in attendance that Panpayak will always be one of the best Muay Thai artists ever.
Superlek said:
"He's amazing, even though he's been away from the ring for a while. He's a skilled Muay Thai fighter known as 'Yod Muay Sam Por Sor.' He's also like a leopard because a leopard doesn't change its spots. I'm not overreacting, but he's good at what he does."
Panpayak and Superlek have faced each other twice in ONE Championship and their ONE 164 duel in Manila was the eighth time they squared off against one another in their careers.
Although Superlek now holds the ONE flyweight kickboxing and bantamweight Muay Thai world titles, Panpayak has the upper hand in their series at 4-3-1 (win-loss-draw).
Panpayak, meanwhile, has yet to win gold in ONE Championship, but 'Angel Warrior' holds multiple world titles under the famed Rajadamnern and Lumpinee Stadiums
Panpayak Jitmuangnon reveals why he decided to take a sabbatical from competition
Panpayak Jitmuangnon knows a career in combat sports takes an unimaginable toll on anyone's body, and his absence reflected that.
In an interview with ONE Championship before his comeback fight against Silviu Vitez, Panpayak said he was burnt out after realizing the punishment his body went through in his career.
He said:
"The main reason I decided to stop fighting was because I felt burned out and had no motivation anymore. I felt that I had been using my body for a long time, so I wanted to take a break and do something else.”