Nieky Holzken Bringing Pressure And Power To Win World Title

Nieky “The Natural” Holzken says he will not let anybody stand in his way of capping his incredible career resurgence with ONE Championship gold.

The 35-year-old striker will meet Regian “The Immortal” Eersel for the ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Title in the co-main event of ONE: ENTER THE DRAGON on Friday, 17 May, and his confidence is at an all-time high.

“All respect to my opponent, but I’m going for gold, and no one is going to stop me,” he says.

“I’m very hungry. If I win this World Title, it will be the crown on my career.”

Before “The Natural” entered the world’s largest martial arts organization as a seven-time kickboxing World Champion, he had become disillusioned with the sport. However, becoming a ONE athlete revitalized his love for the game.

Holzken felt valued in The Home Of Martial Arts, and that gave him the energy to deliver some phenomenal performances.

He registered a stunning victory over Cosmo “Good Boy” Alexandre in his promotional debut at ONE: WARRIOR’S DREAM last November, and then dominated Mustapha “Dynamite” Haida in his return at ONE: CALL TO GREATNESS.

“I feel so happy that I’m back again and at the right organization where they treat me how I am meant to be treated,” reveals the Helmond native.

“After I get good treatment, then I can also compete very [well]. It has been a really super experience for me.

“I still don’t feel like I’m 35 years old – I feel like I’m reborn in my last two fights.”

“The Natural’s” back-to-back victories earned him a shot at the ONE Super Series gold against an opponent that has had an equally impressive run on the global stage for martial arts.

Eersel has displayed aggression, skill, and power in a pair of impressive victories – one by decision and one by knockout – and says he will come out with guns blazing at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Holzken knows he will have his hands full against the Sityodtong Amsterdam athlete, and that will make for a fascinating contest for the fans in Singapore.

“He likes to come forward, he’s a little bit taller than me, and he has good kicks,” says “The Natural.”

“He’s a good finisher, he has finished a lot of fights, but I’m also a finisher, so I think it’s going to be a spectacular fight.”

Holzken says he will draw on every weapon in his arsenal – which includes some spectacular spinning kicks – to press forward against his rival, but he believes his hands could be the difference.

The Dutchman has a 14-1 professional boxing record to supplement his 92-14 (1 NC) kickboxing slate, and has proved he can mix it up in the ring with some of the best pugilists in the world.

“His boxing is not as good as mine, so I will try to focus a little bit more on boxing this time,” he explains.

“I think my pressure is difficult to handle. I think my power is a good weapon as well.”

Before his return to form in ONE, there were some doubts about whether “The Natural” could compete at the elite level anymore, but now the belief is back, and he has rediscovered his best form.

That makes Holzken a dangerous opponent for anyone, and practically guarantees explosive action in the ring.

“I’m very hungry for this World Title for all of the non-believers who said I couldn’t do it anymore. Two years back, I was thinking I couldn’t do it anymore,” he explains

“Now those beliefs are gone – I only believe in myself now, and that’s why this fight is so important for me.

“The fans can expect a really explosive fight – two trucks colliding!”