Nico Carillo has accused Scottish fighter Jonathan Haggerty, who faces Saemapetch Fairtex at Saturday's ONE Fight Night 23, of running away because he got scared.
Carillo, nicknamed the “King of the North,” is ranked No. 1 in the division and Hagerty said he's been avoiding him.
Asked to name the top bantamweight contenders, Britain's Haggerty ruled out Carillo's name, but said the 25-year-old was afraid to face him.
“He never underestimates me,” Carrillo said. “Haggerty knows I’m the toughest fighter in the division.
“The reason he won't say my name is because he doesn't want to fight me. He knows that would be the end of him.”
But before he can even think about a title fight, Carillo said he must first beat Saemapetch and that it would be his chance to show the promotion he is one of the top fighters.
“At the moment I feel like I’m the best fighter in the world,” he said. “I’m the hardest worker.
“All I need is for ONE to match me up with the right opponent and let me step on the stage and prove it, which I have done every time so far.”
Carrillo believes he has earned the respect of the Thai fans following some impressive wins over Muangthai PKSaenchaigym and Nong-O Gaiyanghadao at Lumpinee Stadium.
And despite facing one of his local heroes on Saturday, the Scotsman said he believes the local crowd will be rooting for him.
“When I compete, I think a lot of Thai fans will be cheering for me, not just my hometown of Samapetch,” he added. “If I keep pitting them against Thai fighters, I'll keep beating them. No one will stand in my way.”
Haggerty will next defend his title at ONE 168 in September against Superlek Kiatmoo9, the man who defeated the champion six years ago.
