Former ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion Nong-O Hama watched intently as his close friend and countryman, ‘The Kicking Machine’ Superlek bowed to Japanese superstar Yuki Yoza.
Superlek dropped a unanimous decision to Yoza at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Nov. 16 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, after being outgunned for three rounds in a bantamweight kickboxing match.
The loss to Yoza is Superlek’s second straight defeat this year, the first one being to Nabil Anane in March at ONE 172.
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Nong-O had some advice for Superlek:
“Don’t listen to a lot of negative thoughts. Don’t bother about other things. Don’t look. Brush it away. That’s what Superlek needs to do and I’m sure he will regain his momentum.”
Superlek still remains the reigning ONE flyweight kickboxing world champion, and many have suggested for the 30-year-old to return to his natural weight class, where he appears much stronger.
Whether or not Superlek heeds their advice remains to be seen. Right now, ‘The Kicking Machine’ is in a must-win situation for his next fight, which will come soon enough.
Nong-O Hama believes Superlek must lean on colleagues, friends to regain his confidence
Nong-O Hama believes ‘The Kicking Machine’ Superlek must reach out to train so he can regain his confidence after losing two straight.
Thai fighters are very close knit, with gyms overlapping and fighters training with each other. Superlek has once again an open invitation to train with Nong-O, Superbon and the rest of the crew.
Nong-O added:
“Another part that helps us with our confidence is our friends or teammates along the way. If there’s a team that encourages each other, they’re strong. One that consoles each other, practices together, tries to fix each other… it’ll make us come back better.”
ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri is available to North American fans via video-on-demand at live.onefc.com.