During ONE 173, Nabil Anane demonstrated his capabilities translate effectively across distinct weight categories and striking styles.
The 21-year-old current ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion secured a unanimous decision victory against Hiromi Wajima in featherweight kickboxing competition on Saturday, November 16, at Ariake Arena located in Tokyo, Japan. The 6-foot-4 Thai-Algerian prodigy accepted the contest on limited notice due to Jonathan Haggerty’s injury, which resulted in the cancellation of their planned title match.
While adapting to kickboxing regulations and progressing to a higher weight division, the Team Mehdi Zatout representative presented a near-flawless display that left a positive impression on all three judges. His execution illustrated that his extraordinary talent truly encompasses various weight divisions and striking disciplines.
Wajima entered as a former three-time K-1 Champion with a height of 5-foot-11 and a notable reach. However, Anane’s natural attributes coupled with refined technique proved too overwhelming for the Japanese veteran to overcome.
“It felt amazing. Initially, in the opening round, I perceived that I could connect with certain strikes against my opponent; he is indeed very resilient. Subsequently, I landed a particular blow that caused him to stumble, but I immediately contemplated that, given the transition to featherweight, my stamina might diminish somewhat. The gas tank might not be as effective as when competing at bantamweight, yet the outcome was exceptional,” he expressed.
Nabil Anane charts potential pathway for permanent featherweight transition
Nabil Anane augmented his record to 41-5 with the triumph, prolonging his undefeated sequence to nine successive bouts while overcoming reputable competition within a heavier weight bracket. The exhibition extended beyond solely demonstrating his capability to contend at 155 pounds against superior kickboxers.
The bantamweight Muay Thai champion’s calculated strategy pertaining to his multi-divisional aspirations is logical. By persistently defending his title throughout several upcoming matches, he possesses the capacity to reinforce his standing at 145 pounds while simultaneously accruing experience for a future permanent shift upward.
His featherweight introduction unveiled both the merits and obstacles inherent in participating within the heavier weight segment. The prominent striker acknowledged that sustaining his customary tempo might present challenges when facing larger adversaries across prolonged engagements.
Irrespective of whether it involves bantamweight or featherweight, Muay Thai or kickboxing, Anane’s innate abilities position him as one of the sport’s most promising emerging figures. His pragmatic goals of securing numerous world titles spanning diverse divisions persist in materializing with each performance.
“I am capable of executing it successfully, and I anticipate that potentially, should I persist in competing at bantamweight for an additional four to five contests, I could potentially establish myself within the featherweight division,” he commented.
