Two-sport king Jonathan Haggerty wants kickboxing world title defense next: "I don't want to hold up the division"
Jonathan Haggerty understands his role as a two-sport world champion, and he doesn't plan on wasting any time once he aces his next test on the global stage of ONE Championship.
The 27-year-old Englishman plans to make it two successful bantamweight Muay Thai world title defenses in 2024 when he takes on Superlek Kiatmoo9 in the main event of ONE 168: Denver. Their scheduled five-round tie broadcasts live in U.S. primetime from the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.
Though the bigger goal remains a third crown inside the ONE Circle, particularly Fabricio Andrade's MMA gold, he won't overlook his duty as the kingpin of the kickboxing division.
Jonathan Haggerty told ONE Championship that he's ready to lace the bigger gloves as and when the offer is tabled:
"I want to defend my kickboxing belt. I don't want to hold up the division for too long. You know, I've got both belts, Muay Thai and kickboxing."
'The General' added the vacant ONE bantamweight kickboxing world title with a wicked finish of Andrade in November last year, just seven months removed from his emphatic display to dethrone Nong-O Hama off his Muay Thai crown.
While the likes of Nong-O and top-ranked Nico Carrillo have expressed their desire to challenge him in 'The Art of Eight Limbs,' Haggerty could potentially take a detour from the discipline to focus on the hungry contenders awaiting him in the bantamweight kickboxing ranks.
Jonathan Haggerty remains laser-focused on Superlek clash in Denver
While looking at options further down the line, Jonathan Haggerty stresses that he isn't by any means looking past his next test under the ONE spotlight.
The Londoner knows he'll be pushed to the limit when he runs it back against Superlek, and for that reason alone, his mind is locked solely on one target. He told Sky Sports previously:
"For now, I'm focused on Superlek. I'm gonna fight him first. I believe he's the hardest fighter I need to prepare for."
Haggerty vs. Superlek headlines ONE 168: Denver on September 6, which will be broadcast live in U.S. primetime from Ball Arena. Get your tickets here.