“He’s just strong as f**k” - Liam Harrison sees Superlek toppling Jonathan Haggerty at ONE 168: Denver
Veteran fighter Liam Harrison sees Thai superstar Superlek Kiatmoo9 toppling ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion Jonathan Haggerty in their all-champion clash later this year in the United States.
'The Kicking Machine' is the reigning flyweight kickboxing king and will challenge 'The General' for his Muay Thai strap at ONE 168 on Sept. 6, which will take place at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.
It is part of the event marking ONE Championship's second live and on-ground offering in the U.S. after the successful ONE Fight Night 10, which also took place in Colorado in May 2023.
In an interview with the South China Morning Post, Liam Harrison shared that he likes Superlek's chances of coming out victorious against Haggerty, owing to his powerful strikes, which could be too much for the Muay Thai champion.
'Hitman' said:
"I think the only advantage that Haggerty got is his size. But Superlek's one of my training [partners] from before, and he's just strong as f*** when I had to go down to his natural walking weight. And he took a lot of horrendous punches and elbows from Rodtang, and I don't see anyone beating Superlek."
Watch the interview below:
Liam Harrison also high on abilities of ONE newcomer Masaaki Noiri
Apart from Superlek Kiatmoo9, Liam Harrison is also high on the abilities of ONE Championship newcomer Masaaki Noiri, who, like him, will feature on the same card at ONE 167: Stamp vs Zamboanga on June 7 in Bangkok, Thailand.
'Hitman' will be going up against Japanese Katsuki Kitano in a bantamweight Muay Thai battle - his first after nearly two years because of knee injury.
Noiri, meanwhile, will be making his promotional debut against Thai Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong in a featherweight kickboxing joust.
In the same interview with the South China Morning Post, Liam Harrison shared that he has long known of Noiri and what he is capable of before they came to ONE Championship.
He said:
"I tell you what, he's a lovely guy, [Masaaki] Noiri. And I'd tell you what, he's one of the most dangerous fighters I've fought. I think he was around 18 when we fought, I was in my late 20s. Yeah, it was good fight. He was unorthodox, he's sharp, powerful, he's really a good fighter."
ONE 167: Stamp vs Zamboanga will emanate from the Impact Arena in Bangkok and will be available live and for free in U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.