Regian Eersel had long been considered to be one of the best pound-for-pound kickboxers in the world. But the Surinamese-Dutch wanted even more gold and has since shown he is at the top of the lightweight world in Muay Thai too.
On June 9, at ONE Fight Night 11, the ONE Lightweight Kickboxing and Muay Thai World Champion will return for the second defense of the Muay Thai crown inside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. And he is only feeling more and more comfortable competing in four-ounce gloves.
“It will be like my [third] fight with the 4-ounce gloves. I got now like two training camps right after each other. This is my third training camp. So I’m feeling more comfortable. You know, getting used to the feeling from the 4-ounce gloves. I hope it will come out also in the ring on June 9,” Eersel told ONE.
Eersel has always made it a point to create a lasting legacy. He wants to back up his impeccable nickname, “The Immortal,” with a resume that cannot be denied. After 21 straight victories, nine on ONE’s global stage, and two ONE World Championships — his legacy is nearing immortality.
“For me, it doesn’t matter if it is Muay Thai or kickboxing, or both. Both sports are a challenge for me because I’m the champion. It’s important for me, and it’s a challenge for me to defend them both. Just to build my legacy, you know, so they’re both important for me, and I like both,” Eersel said.
Standing opposite Eersel will be a promotional newcomer. Dmitry Menshikov will make his ONE Championship debut in a main event slot against “The Immortal.”
As a true champion, the Surinamese-Dutch striker leaves no stone unturned ahead of his latest challenge.
“My thoughts are he is a very good fighter. He puts the pressure on a lot. He comes swinging with hooks. He has a lot of knockouts, so we’re gonna put my name to the test once again. The better my opponent, the better version of me also. Yeah, I’m excited,” “The Immortal” said.
But Eersel is not just looking at his opponent’s skills. The reigning two-sport World Champion is seeing how his best attributes can come into play on June 9. And experience may be the most significant factor, according to Eersel.
“My advantage is my length, I’m a little bit taller than him. I think also my experience with the 4-ounce gloves and my Muay Thai experience. I visualize myself, and it doesn’t matter how, but I visualize myself winning by KO, but winning is the most important thing. It has to be a clear, clear victory,” Eersel said.
After two sensational Muay Thai thrillers with Sinsamut Klinmee, Eersel is prepared to handle all of the heat from Menshikov. And “The Immortal” expects another night of heavy exchanges inside the ring.
“I’m just gonna prepare for his power. And mentally, I’m just gonna prepare for a war. And I think he will bring the war to me,” Eersel said.
ONE Fight Night 11 airs live on June 9 on Prime Video. The event begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is free for all Amazon Prime members in the U.S. and Canada.
