Nabil Anane lost a split decision to Suakim Pongsuphan PK in the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title eliminator headlining The Inner Circle 25 on Friday, August 7, at Lumpinee Stadium marking his second consecutive defeat.
A second-round knockdown from a left hook and knee proved decisive on the judges’ scorecards, despite Anane closing the distance in a strong third-round rally. Suakim earned a $50,000 performance bonus for the win.
The result sends Suakim into a title opportunity against reigning ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon, the same fighter who defeated Anane in March.
Anane, 22, shaved his head following the loss, honoring a lighthearted pre-fight promise to do so if he lost.
“Yes guys, I’m alright. I’m home now. I just lost my fight against Suakim. Anyway, before the fight, I said I’d shave my head if I lost. Although I meant it as a joke at first. But let’s just ‘break the curse,'” Anane said.
Anane said he intends to return to competition and continue pursuing a path back to the bantamweight Muay Thai title.
