Suakim Pongsuphan PK defeated former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nabil Anane by split decision in the main event of The Inner Circle 25 on Friday, August 7, at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium.
The 30-year-old Thai veteran overcame an eight-inch height disadvantage against Anane, who dominated the opening round with jabs and straight rights from the outside. Suakim adjusted in the second round, dropping Anane with a right hook to the body followed by a left to the chin.
“I felt it land flush. When he went down, I didn’t think he was hurt. But as soon as he got up, I saw his eyes rolling back. I was like, ‘Damn, he’s actually rocked,'” Suakim said.
Anane answered with a furious third-round surge, but Suakim held on to win by split decision in what he called the most grueling fight of his 220-fight career. The result extended his winning streak to eight fights, the longest active run in the bantamweight Muay Thai division, and earned him a $50,000 performance bonus, his second in his last three fights.
Suakim, a former three-division Lumpinee Stadium World Champion, is now in line for a shot at the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title. He awaits the winner of the September 11 title fight between Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon and his own PK Saenchai Muaythaigym teammate, Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri, at The Inner Circle 30.
“That’s up to Mr. Chatri and the ONE team. I don’t obsess over winning belts, but if a title shot comes, I’d gladly take it,” Suakim said.
