Nabil Anane To Defend ONE World Title Against Jonathan Haggerty At ONE 173 In Tokyo
Nabil Anane will make his first ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship defense against Jonathan Haggerty at ONE 173 on Sunday, November 16, inside Tokyo’s Ariake Arena, as two of striking’s most dangerous forces collide for divisional supremacy.
The towering 6-foot-4 Algerian-Thai phenom finally received his overdue championship recognition after months of organizational confusion following his dominant victory over Superlek Kiatmoo9. Anane was elevated to undisputed status in June, completing one of combat sports’ most remarkable redemption stories.
His promotional debut against “The Kicking Machine” in June 2023 ended in devastating defeat that could have destroyed lesser fighters. Instead, the 21-year-old Team Mehdi Zatout product transformed that heartbreak into fuel for an incredible six-fight winning streak.
The run peaked with his highlight-reel knockout of Scottish destroyer Nico Carrillo to claim interim bantamweight gold, before his systematic domination of Superlek in their March rematch proved his championship credentials beyond doubt.
Haggerty represents the ultimate test for Anane’s reign. “The General” captured the flyweight Muay Thai belt in just his second promotional appearance before losing it to Rodtang Jitmuangnon three months later, beginning a championship journey defined by both triumph and heartbreak.
The 28-year-old Londoner’s breakthrough moment came against Thai legend Nong-O Hama in April 2023, employing devastating boxing to end the icon’s four-year title reign with first-round destruction that announced his arrival among elite strikers.
Haggerty achieved rare two-sport supremacy by capturing the vacant ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title later that November, stopping Fabricio Andrade to join ONE’s most exclusive club.
His successful Muay Thai defense against Felipe Lobo in February 2024 seemed to establish his divisional dominance before Superlek’s stunning first-round knockout seven months later stripped away his crown and shattered his momentum.
The British star has since bounced back with sensational kickboxing title defense over Chinese superstar Wei Rui, proving his championship heart remains intact despite the devastating setback.
Their Tokyo collision promises to determine bantamweight supremacy between youth and experience, with Anane’s towering reach and improving technique facing Haggerty’s proven championship composure and devastating finishing ability.
READ MORE: James DeGale BKFC Debut Erupts in Chaos After Rival Headbutts Former Boxing Champion
Recent posts
