3 Facts About Muay Thai Prodigy Nabil Anane Before He Faces Superlek At ONE Friday Fights 22
At just 19 years old, Nabil Anane is preparing for a high-profile debut in ONE Championship – but he appears more than ready for the tough task
On June 23, the French-Algerian upstart will face reigning ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion and #1-ranked flyweight Muay Thai contender Superlek Kiatmoo9 in a Muay Thai clash at ONE Friday Fights 22, and a win would send shockwaves through the global striking community.
Despite his tender age, Anane has already proven himself as an elite competitor, and he’ll be motivated to make a powerful statement at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Here are three things you need to know about the highly touted phenom ahead of his first promotional appearance on June 23.
#1 He’s A Record-Breaking World Champion
Anane won the IFMA Amateur World Championships in 2017, and he’s continued to pick up prestigious accolades in the professional ranks.
After claiming other regional titles, the Pattaya-born striker showed that he’s one of the best Muay Thai practitioners on the planet by winning WBC Muay Thai World Championships in two divisions.
In fact, he made history at 17 years old by becoming the youngest-ever WBC Muay Thai World Champion when he scooped the gold at 126 pounds in May 2022.
Then in February of this year, he moved up to challenge for the belt at 135 pounds, bagging himself another highly regarded strap for his collection.
Even more impressively, Anane won both belts via knockout over high-level opponents.
#2 He’s Uniquely Tall For The Weight Class
One of Anane’s most distinctive features is his unique body type. When he competes at 135 pounds against Superlek, the youngster will clock in at a towering 6-foot-2, which makes him 7 inches taller than his rival.
His height can’t be matched in that division, and most importantly, he knows how to use it to his advantage.
Anane has long punches and kicks that can reach over a huge distance, though his knees are his favorite weapons. Given his size, opponents often find themselves charging into a knee as they try to close the distance.
His long, slender body and knee-heavy style have created many comparisons with legendary Thai athlete Dieselnoi, who is regarded as one of the greatest of all time, and certainly a top pick for best muay khao (knee fighter) in history.
Anane has all the attributes to achieve greatness like the Muay Thai icon – and plenty of time to do it.
#3 He Has A World-Class Team Around Him
Anane started his martial arts journey with karate and taekwondo. Then at 11, he moved into Muay Thai, and at 14, he found his home at Venum Training Center in his native Pattaya.
Being of French-Algerian descent from his father’s side, Anane struck up a bond with head coach and ONE veteran Mehdi Zatout, who’s been in his corner ever since.
Zatout was a WBC and ISKA Muay Thai World Champion who also challenged for World Title gold during his six-bout tenure in ONE.
As well as great coaching, there are plenty of top-tier training partners at Venum. Anane cites former ONE World Champion Alaverdi Ramazanov and former ONE World Title challenger Sinsamut Klinmee as two of his favorites.
With this impressive team around him, the towering Thai phenom will be well-prepared for any foe that stands in front of him.
