Second-ranked bantamweight Muay Thai contender Nico Carrillo was on the brink of fighting for the division’s crown. But he now, through no fault of his own, finds himself having to make his case all over again.
“King of the North” was set to challenge two-sport ONE world champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 for the bantamweight Muay Thai strap at ONE 170 on Friday, January 24, until the Thai great suffered an injury and had to pull out.
As a result, Carrillo will now contest the division’s interim crown against Nabil Anane at the thrilling show inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Impact Arena instead.
Being within touching distance of the World Title only to have it taken away would be enough to knock anyone’s motivation. But that’s not how the Scottish star is viewing it.
“It was difficult when I first got the call as I was a little bit down about it. But then you start looking for positives,” said Carrillo.
“Then, I was matched with Nabil Anane. In life, you really need to always have a positive outlook. So, I maintain mine. Whether the sun is shining, whether I’m happy, sad, or hungry, it doesn’t matter.
“Now I’m fighting Nabil. I’m glad he stepped up. It’s a big opportunity for him also. He’d be crazy if he didn’t take it. I don’t think much of him stepping up, good on him. I’d have had more to say if he didn’t. But now we have another fight to prepare for.”
Stylistically, transitioning from Superlek to Anane is a huge adjustment. Superlek is arguably the pound-for-pound best striker in the world right now. But, at six-foot-four, Anane will present his own set of challenges.
Nonetheless, Carrillo sees it as just another test of abilities, and he believes nothing will stop him from becoming the bantamweight Muay Thai king.
The winner of Carrillo vs. Anane next weekend has been promised a World Title unification bout with Superlek at ONE 172 in March, and “King of the North” is confident it will be him squaring off with the two-sport king.
“It’s a slightly different approach given how tall he is and his body type is very hard to replicate. But we’ve tried to get guys that match him as close as possible in order to prepare the best we can. Nonetheless, it will be the same outcome. A different fight, but the same result with me winning,” he said.
“It’s inevitable that I’ll become king. This is just another chapter to tell in my story. In order for me to become the undisputed champion, I had to take the hardest road to get there. The harder the route, the longer the reign.”