Scotland’s Nico Carrillo, currently the top-ranked bantamweight in Muay Thai, aims to solidify his claim as the next challenger for the division title by defeating fourth-ranked Saemapetch Fairtex.
Dubbed “The King of the North,” Carrillo faces Saemapetch at ONE Fight Night 23: Ok vs. Rasulov on Saturday at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.
Since his debut last year, Carrillo has rapidly ascended to the forefront of ONE Championship with a dominant four-fight winning streak. However, he now faces a formidable test in Saemapetch, a 14-fight veteran in ONE Championship, as he eyes a future showdown with British divisional title-holder Jonathan “The General” Haggerty.
“I know I have a serious contender in front of me. I don’t overlook him in any way. He’s one of the hardest hitters in the division,” said Carrillo.
“But I’m at a stage in my career where I haven’t been beaten in a long time, and I’m very confident in my ability to handle anything in my fights.”
Saemapetch has been a key figure in ONE’s bantamweight Muay Thai division. The 29-year-old previously challenged for the divisional title in 2019, falling short against Thai legend Nong-O Hama. Since then, he has amassed six more wins under the ONE banner, bringing his career total to 127 victories.
Despite his opponent’s impressive record, Carrillo believes he has identified a vulnerability.
“When he’s the aggressor, he’s awesome. But when he’s pressured, he crumbles. They all crumble when they face me. Saemapetch will, just like everyone else. They all fall. Nobody has survived me yet,” he stated.
“A knockout is coming. It will be calculated, and it will come. I will find it. I always do.”
The ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title will be up for grabs when two-sport bantamweight champion Haggerty defends his crown against ONE flyweight kickboxing world champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 168: Denver on September 6.
If Carrillo can defeat Saemapetch at ONE Fight Night 23, the 25-year-old is confident he will be next in line to face the winner of Haggerty vs. Superlek.
“When I beat Saemapetch and you look at my resume and see I’ve beaten fighters like him, Nong-O, Seksan [Or Kwanmuang], and others, the only thing that says I’m not the best in the world is a golden strap,” he asserted.
“It’s just a case of me holding my position. I beat Saemapetch, and then I’m really undeniable after that. I am certain that I should get the winner of Haggerty versus Superlek.”
Credit: Bangkok Post
