Nico Carrillo won’t settle for an interim title fight, wants Jonathan Haggerty: “I want the real thing”
Nico Carrillo would have to wait for his opportunity to get the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title, as the divisional kingpin Jonathan Haggerty will defend his belt against Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 168: Denver this September.
Nonetheless, he is also looking at the possibility of keeping himself active by taking on any chances for the division's interim belt, while waiting for the result of that massive world championship action as ONE returns to the U.S. soil.
So far, he has erased all doubts by defending his top position against No. 4-ranked fighter Saemapetch Fairtex by sending his rival into the shadow realm last weekend at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Speaking to South China Morning Post after knocking out Saemapetch, the Scottish slugger shared his thoughts about a possible fight if Haggerty successfully defends his ONE bantamweight Muay Thai gold.
He said:
"It puts me back to what I’m saying. I've been fighting these hard-ass guys. Yes I’d fight for the interim belt but I want the real thing. I talk about it actively, I don’t want to be inactive."
Presently, Carrillo has defeated all four of his opponents in the world's largest martial arts organization via incredible finishes.
Nico Carrillo wants a fight in ONE 169: Atlanta
If things go according to plan, Nico Carrillo will be able to insert himself into the epic ONE 169: Atlanta card on November 8.
The much-awaited spectacle at the State Farm Arena brings much hope for Carrillo as he conveyed his intention to challenge Haggerty for the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai gold in the same interview.
He said:
"I would like to fight in October, November, December. If available, November. I'd love to [fight in Atlanta], absolutely."
The replay of ONE Fight Night 23 is available free on demand for Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.
Tickets for ONE 169: Atlanta are available via Ticketmaster.