Regian Eersel, the 33-year-old Dutch-Surinamese kingpin, acknowledged the 21-year-old’s ability in the ring, but he made it clear that the road to lightweight Muay Thai gold runs straight through him.
Regian Eersel responds to Anane’s call
Regian Eersel noted that Anane publicly mentioned him as a future target, before questioning the urgency of that pursuit. The reigning champion followed the changing timeline without any frustration while making his position clear.
“First of all, he shouted my name in the media and said he wanted to fight me. I thought maybe in months, not in two or three years. But later he said in another interview: it’s going to take two or three years. I’m here, so I’ll just wait,” said Regian Eersel.
Anane has a career record of 41-5 and already owns the bantamweight Muay Thai belt. The 6-foot-2 Thai-Algerian standout also competed in bantamweight and featherweight kickboxing fights last year, signaling his intention to pursue titles in multiple disciplines.
Lightweight king Regian Eersel recognizes Anane’s talent
Despite the competitive attitude, Regian Eersel was willing to recognize Anane’s advantage. “The Immortal” carefully formulated his assessment, distinguishing between what Anane could become and what is possible while still holding the belt.
“He certainly has the potential, but not if I am champion. I have to be the first to leave. After that, he certainly has the potential to become world champion in three weights,” Eersel explains.
Eersel, who stands 6-foot-4, has a career record of 63-5 and has claimed 10 world titles throughout his career. The Dutch-Surinamese fighter previously held the ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Title before adding Muay Thai gold to his collection.
‘The Immortal’ weighs on Carrillo’s prospects
In addition to the Anane conversation, Regian Eersel was also asked about newly crowned ONE Interim Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Nico Carrillo, who has been linked with a possible move to lightweight. The champion offered measured praise, while doubting whether such a leap would suit the Scot.
“Yes, I like it. He’s a good fighter. He’s already moved up a weight class, so it’s no surprise to me that he said no. Going up two weight classes might be a bit too tough for him – but yeah, just wait for that,” Eersel said.
Carrillo captured the ONE Interim Featherweight Muay Thai World Title after already moving from his natural bantamweight position to compete at featherweight. A jump to lightweight would mean a two-division climb for the Scottish striker.
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