Superlek breaks down everything that makes Saenchai a great teacher

Superlek Kiatmoo9 feels blessed to have Muay Thai living legend Saenchai as his mentor and teacher.

The Thai superstar is on the verge of defending his ONE flyweight kickboxing world title against Thai-Australian slugger ‘Mini-T’ Danial Williams this Friday at ONE Fight Night 8 on Prime Video.

Like all great champions who are worth their weight in gold, Superlek probably wouldn’t have made it as far as he did in his professional career without taking heed to Saenchai’s teachings.

As many fans know, Saenchai is one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters who has ever lived, and to have him share his wisdom with his pupils is the greatest blessing Superlek could have ever asked for.

Speaking to ONE Championship this week, the divisional king broke down everything Saenchai taught him:

“He always said, ‘You must respect your career; rigging a match is a big no-no. No matter how much money they offer you, you can't ruin your career.’ And he also said, ‘Everyone has the same skills; it depends on who tries harder.’ He didn't teach only me, but other juniors as well.”

Under the same breath, he continued to add:

“He always shows younger fighters what it’s like to be a responsible person both in training and in life. He usually takes action as a role model rather than preaching. He is a very disciplined athlete. He always reminds us not to stay up late. At 10 o'clock, he reminds everyone to go to sleep. He lives a simple life. He is a good role model for us.”

Watch ONE Fight Night 8: Superlek vs. Williams live and for free via Amazon Prime Video.

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Superlek Kiatmoo9 feels more pressure to win after last minute replacement in the lineup

Newly-crowned ONE flyweight kickboxing world champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 feels more pressure to win since Rodtang Jitmuangon was replaced by Danial Williams this week.

The Pattaya-bred fighter underwent an intensive training camp to prepare for one of the biggest world title fights of his career. So when Rodtang’s sudden withdrawal from the card was announced, it was difficult for the divisional king to accept.

But now he’s got to set those emotions aside as he faces a new challenger in Danial Williams.

Speaking to SCMP MMA, he said:

“I am feeling a little bit of pressure because he’s fighting in the strawweight, so he’s lighter than me, so I feel the pressure that I cannot lose this fight and I would like the belt to remain with the same owner.”

Watch the interview below: