“May the best man win” - Nico Carrillo wants winner of Jonathan Haggerty vs. Superlek fight
Scottish slugger Nico Carrillo defended his No. 1 spot in the bantamweight Muay Thai ranks after a TKO victory over fellow top-five contender Saemapetch Fairtex. At ONE Fight Night 23, both strikers delivered fast-paced action, but it was Carrillo who managed to take home the 'W' after three knockdowns to close their fight.
'King of the North' strongly feels that he has secured the position as the next title challenger, regardless of who's holding the belt after reigning king Jonathan Haggerty goes head-to-head against ONE flyweight kickboxing king Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 168: Denver.
In a post-fight interview, Carrillo told ONE commentator Mitch Chilson:
"Superlek, Jonathan Haggerty, may the best man win, best of luck to the both of you. I’m next. I am next. I am undeniable."
He added:
"Mr. Chatri, give me the title shot next. Whoever wins that match in Denver, don’t get too attached to the gold because it’s coming right off you. The 'King of the North' is coming for gold."
It would be interesting to see how far Carrillo would go against one of the best strikers in the world's biggest martial arts organization.
Nico Carrillo halted Saemapetch with a bang
Nico Carrillo successfully defended his position as the undisputed top challenger for the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai belt after he derailed Saemapetch Fairtex via a second-round TKO finish in the co-main event of ONE Fight Night 23.
With this result, 'King of the Noth' secured his fourth straight victory and kept his 100 percent finishing rate intact.
Carrillo used a string of powerful punches and boxing repertoire to floor the Thai veteran three times in the second round, which automatically forced referee Olivier Coste to call off the fight in his favor.
Moreover, the Scottish slugger was also the only athlete who received a $50,000 bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.