“Just a part of the journey” - Jonathan Haggerty vows to come back stronger after stunning defeat to Superlek in Denver
Jonathan Haggerty's United States debut may have ended on a sour note, but the former two-sport king is determined to get back on top and reclaim his lost gold.
The British superstar lost his ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title to Superlek Kiatmoo9, the ONE flyweight kickboxing world champion, when he suffered a sub-minute knockout in the first round of ONE 168: Denver's headlining match.
Haggerty, who still holds the ONE bantamweight kickboxing world championship, was visibly distraught after the defeat but promised to come back a stronger fighter than before.
In an Instagram post, Jonathan Haggerty wrote:
"Last night didn't go our way, but that's the fight game. I thought I had Superlek hurt and rushed him, but he caught me with a beautiful elbow. Credit to him on a well-earned victory."
He added:
"Congratulations to Superlek, and thank you to all the incredible fans and everyone at ONE Championship for the love and support. This is just a part of the journey, and I promise I'll be back stronger and hungrier than ever. We rise, we learn, and we keep fighting. See you soon!"
Haggerty was slowly building momentum at the start of the fight and had Superlek, momentarily, fighting off the back foot.
'The General', however, ran into a fatal trap when he lunged in for a quick 1-2, only to run into Superlek's perfect elbow counter that ended the fight 49 seconds into the first round, sending the packed Ball Arena crowd into meltdown.
Superlek never doubted he would knock Jonathan Haggerty out in Denver
Superlek always knew he would have Jonathan Haggerty's number at ONE 168.
Although he was surprised the fight ended in under a minute, Superlek never doubted that he would score a knockout to become a two-sport world champion.
In his post-match interview with ONE Championship commentator Mitch Chilson, Superlek said he perfectly predicted Haggerty's lunge and had his elbow counter locked in:
"First of all, no doubt about it, Haggerty is absolutely incredible. However, I know my plan. I saw the opening, and I knew when Haggerty is about to throw the cross. I caught the elbow in and got the knockout."