Sport
Former ONE Champion Nabil Anane Eyes Olympic Boxing Glory for Thailand
Former ONE Championship bantamweight titleholder Nabil Anane has initiated discussions with the Thailand Boxing Association to compete for a spot on the national team for the 2028 Olympic Games.
On August 27, 2026, former ONE Championship bantamweight titleholder Nabil Anane visited the International Standard Boxing Training Center in Thailand to discuss a potential transition into amateur boxing. According to Khaosod Online, Anane met with Pichai Chunhavajira, president of the Thailand Boxing Association, to explore the possibility of representing Thailand at the 2028 Olympic Games in the United States.
During his visit, Anane participated in a pad-work session with head coach Mariano Gonzalez Cosme, who reportedly praised the athlete's sharp vision. Pichai noted that while Anane intends to continue his Muay Thai career, he plans to participate in amateur boxing tournaments to accumulate the necessary points for Olympic qualification.
For residents and sports enthusiasts in Thailand, this development marks a significant crossover between the professional Muay Thai circuit and the amateur Olympic boxing scene. The move could potentially elevate the profile of Thailand’s boxing program on the global stage. However, several logistical details remain to be confirmed. Both the Thailand Boxing Association and ONE Championship must coordinate their respective schedules to ensure Anane can balance his professional commitments with the rigorous requirements of the national team selection process. Further discussions are expected to finalize how these two distinct career paths will be managed.