"If it's not hard, I don't enjoy it" - Jonathan Haggerty says he went full throttle for Superlek title defense
Jonathan Haggerty is more than ready to face Superlek Kiatmoo9 in his next world title defense after acclimating to Colorado's unforgiving altitude. The double-world champion is just days away from defending his ONE bantamweight Muay Thai crown against ONE flyweight kickboxing world title-holder Superlek at ONE 168: Denver.
As their main event takes place at the Ball Arena in Colorado, Haggerty and his team are exercising at high altitudes to mitigate altitude sickness and dehydration. Although Haggerty admits that it's another big hurdle to overcome, he wouldn't have it any other way.
Speaking to ONE, he said:
"So today we went up to Red Rocks for a bit of altitude training. We done some stair runs, some sprints. It's pretty hard. But each training session is hard. I enjoy it when it's hard. If it's not hard, I don't enjoy it."
Haggerty and Superlek have already met once before. In 2018, the young Brit suffered defeat to Superlek via doctor's stoppage, after a cut opened on Haggerty's left eye.
So obviously, a solid victory is still imminent, which Haggerty means to bring home.
Tickets for ONE 168: Denver are available via Ticketmaster.
"The altitude here is no joke" - Fans in awe of Jonathan Haggerty's unwavering determination as he pushes through exhaustion with more pad work in Colorado
The fans are cheering online as they watch 'The General' Jonathan Haggerty push through the exhaustion with more pad work in Colorado.
There are many athletes out there who boast about not having an ill effect on high altitudes. However, Haggerty can tell you for certain that it's a challenge to adapt to its environment. Even just breathing is difficult which is associated with the low atmospheric pressure at altitude.
However, Haggerty remains focused and resolute. On Instagram, he shared a clip of his latest training session with the caption:
"Straight through the pipe. The altitude here is no joke."
Check out the best fan reactions below:
