Nabil Anan speaks out for the first time after training with the Thai national amateur boxing coach.
On 26 Aug 2026 GMT+7, Nabil Anan, former Muay Thai world bantamweight champion of ONE Championship, accepted the challenge to enter the selection process for Thailand's national amateur boxing team, aiming to compete at the 2028 Olympics in the United States.
Recently, Nabil visited the new amateur boxing training center of the Amateur Boxing Association of Thailand at the Sports Authority of Thailand in Huamark. There, he met the national amateur boxing coach and demonstrated his punching skills in front of the media.
Nabil said, “Since driving to the training center, I was eager to train. I was very excited to box in the amateur style. However, my punching fundamentals don’t come from amateur boxing. Just now, I punched with the coach, and I really got going. The coach said, ‘Enough’ (laughs).”
“My weight is about 73 kilograms. I plan to compete at 70 kilograms. Dropping to 65 kilograms might be too difficult. I’ve watched the 63-kilogram class; Banjong is an amazing fighter. The toughest classes are 63 or 65 kilograms. At 70 kilograms, the competition is also strong, but I’m confident if I make it to the 2028 Olympics.”
“Regarding some senior boxers’ criticisms, I’m fine with that. I’m just doing my duty. Everyone has their own perspective. I will give my best and achieve my goal. It’s not beyond reach.”
On balancing Muay Thai and amateur boxing schedules, Nabil said it’s up to the seniors to coordinate. Preliminary discussions have taken place and there is no problem. He emphasized he will focus more on amateur boxing.