A French-Algerian speedster believes he has spent years fighting in the wrong weight class. His first assignment in the right one comes against a man who has already fought for the belt.
Akram Hamidi meets Numsurin Chor Ketwina in the atomweight Muay Thai main event of The Inner Circle 36 on Friday, October 30. The bout airs live in Asia primetime from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, for members of The Inner Circle.
The 27-year-old three-time ISKA Kickboxing World Champion holds a 55-6 record and has faced Sam-A Gaiyanghadao and Prajanchai Pongsuphan PK. After a knockout loss to Sam-A in September 2024 and a long layoff, he returned with a win over Watcharaphon Laochokcharoen at ONE Friday Fights 164 in July.
This bout marks his first appearance at atomweight in ONE, after previously competing at 57 kilograms. He believes the lighter division is where he truly belongs.
Numsurin, 31, went 6-0 on ONE’s weekly series to earn a US$100,000 contract before challenging Nadaka Yoshinari for the inaugural ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Title at ONE 173. He fell short over five rounds but rebounded by beating Songchainoi Kiatsongrit in June.
The Thai has vowed to pressure Hamidi from the opening bell with his boxing. The Team Valente representative respects the challenge.
“Numsurin is a very good fighter. He’s well-rounded and has good boxing,” Hamidi said.
“He’s good with his hands and his kicks.”
Akram Hamidi keeps his scouting report short
Hamidi has built his reputation on lightning-fast combinations and the ability to adapt in the heat of an exchange. A win over a former World Title challenger would strengthen his case for a shot at reigning ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion Nadaka.
Asked whether he had spotted any flaws in Numsurin’s game, the debuting atomweight offered only a brief answer. He intends to find them in real time.
“As for his weaknesses, I’ll discover them in the ring,” Hamidi said.
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
