JP Gallacher says legendary Nong-O in for a vintage performance at ONE Friday Fights 81: “I have no doubt”
Noted striking coach JP Gallacher is excited to see Thai superstar Nong-O Hama in action this week in Thailand, expecting him to provide a vintage performance in front of the hometown fans.
The former ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion returns to action on Sept. 27 at ONE Friday Fights 81: Superbon vs. Nattawut. He will go up against on-a-roll Russian fighter Kiamran Nabati in a featured bantamweight clash in the event happening at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Speaking on the South China Morning Post's preview show for ONE Friday Fights 81, which was uploaded on Sept. 24, Gallacher, joined by condition coach Peter Miller, shared that Nong-O's match is one of the fights he is looking forward to seeing:
"I'm actually looking forward to Ilias Ennahachi's comeback. He was my favorite kickboxer when he was fighting. I think he's super talented, super tough. He's very entertaining and I don't think he's been active at all so I'm really excited to see Ilias back.
"But most of all, I'm excited to see Nong-O fight because a lot of people are doubting Nong-O for this fight, but I have no doubt in that. So I'm actually really looking forward to Nong-O's fate."
Check out what he had to say below:
Nong-O halted a two-fight skid in his last match in April, chalking up a unanimous decision win over fellow Thai fighter Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai. He is looking to sustain the momentum from the win in his scheduled return to action and make another go at the world title now in the hands of newly minted champion Superlek Kiatmoo9.
Out to frustrate him in his push is Nabati, winner of his first three matches in ONE Championship and an emerging force in the bantamweight Muay Thai lane.
Fans in North America can catch the action at ONE Friday Fights 81 via global pay-per-view through watch.onefc.com.
Superbon sees Nong-O beating Kiamran Nabati at ONE Friday Fights 81
Another one excited to see Nong-O Hama in action at ONE Friday Fights 81 is interim featherweight kickboxing world champion Superbon, who expects his fellow Thai superstar to come up with a win over Russian opponent Kiamran Nabati.
Superbon shared his take on the Nong-O-Nabati showdown in an interview with the South China Morning Post, underscoring that the vast experience of Nong-O against top fighters should work to his advanntage come fight night.
He said:
"I think it's gonna be a good fight because Nong-O still trains very hard. He's still good and has a lot of experience. With his experience, I think he can beat that guy. I think the guy [Kiamran Nabati] has beaten a lot of fighters, but not big names like Nong-O."
Incidentally, Superbon is also part of ONE Friday Fights 81, seeing action in the headlining contest against fellow Thai fighter Jo Nattawut in a featherweight Muay Thai match.