The 21-year-old reigning ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion scored a unanimous decision victory over Hiromi Wajima in featherweight kickboxing action on Saturday, November 16, at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. The 6-foot-2 Thai-Algerian phenom accepted the fight on short notice after Jonathan Haggerty’s injury forced the cancellation of the scheduled title fight.
Despite adapting to kickboxing rules and a higher weight class, the Team Mehdi Zatout product delivered a near-perfect display that impressed all three judges. His performance showed that his sublime talent truly transcends multiple weight classes and notable disciplines.
Wajima arrived as a former three-time K-1 champion standing at 6-foot-1 with considerable reach of his own. But Anane’s physical gifts, combined with technical brilliance, proved too much for the Japanese veteran to overcome.
“It was great. So in the beginning, in the very first round, I felt like I could land some shots on my opponent, he’s very strong. And then I landed a shot of mine that turned him upside down, but then I already thought to myself that when I moved up to featherweight, I might lose some steam. The gas tank might not be as good as when I’m a bantamweight, but the result was great,” he said.
Nabil Anane maps the timeline for a permanent feather-light movement
Nabil Anane improved his record to 41-5 with the win, extending his unbeaten streak to nine straight fights as he dismantled established opposition at heavier weight. The performance wasn’t just about proving he could compete against elite kickboxers at 155 pounds.
The bantamweight Muay Thai king’s strategic approach to his multi-division ambitions makes sense. By continuing to defend his crown for a few more fights, he can cement his legacy at 145 pounds while building experience for an eventual permanent move up.
His featherweight debut revealed both the benefits and challenges that come with competing in the heavier weight class. The towering striker realized that it could be difficult to maintain his usual pace against bigger opponents during long matches.
Whether he’s bantamweight or featherweight, Muay Thai or kickboxing, Anane’s physical gifts position him as one of the sport’s brightest young stars. His realistic ambitions to capture multiple world titles in different divisions continue to take shape with every outing.
“I’m doing it and I think if I keep fighting four to five more fights at bantamweight, maybe I can stay in the featherweight division,” he said.
#Nabil #Anane #plots #path #featherweight #happen #BJPenn.com