Regian Eersel tells ONE Championship to ‘promote me more’ after record-extending title win

Regian Eersel has told ONE Championship to “promote me more” after a record-extending title fight win on Saturday in Bangkok.
“The Immortal” handed Alexis Nicolas a first career defeat to win back his lightweight kickboxing title in an instant classic at Lumpinee Stadium.
Surinamese 31-year-old Eersel now stands alone with the most title fight wins in ONE history, pushing his tally to nine – and moving one ahead of Nong-O Hama, who previously shared top spot on the list.
It was a 10th victory in ONE for Eersel, who also holds the promotion’s lightweight Muay Thai belt, and backstage he demanded some more respect be put on his name.
“It’s all about the numbers, right? But you know, ONE have to promote me more. Yes, ONE have to promote me more,” Eersel told the Bangkok Post. 
“I’ve got all the numbers, almost all the world records. It is what it is, but the numbers don’t lie. I just have to enjoy myself, and create beautiful violence.
“I don’t know [why they don’t promote him] – ask them. I don’t know. I think I’m a quiet boy. I don’t talk a lot. I just enjoy fighting. That’s what I do. 
“So I’m not creating any noise, nothing. I’m just here to fight, beat people up, and enjoy the violence.”
With the victory, Eersel regained his “first love” – the kickboxing title, which he won in just his second fight in the promotion in May 2019. 
He made four successful defences of the belt before losing it to France’s Nicolas by unanimous decision in April, his first defeat in more than eight years. 
So happy was Eersel, he did not mind one of his entourage in the media room spilled a bottle of water on his newly won 26lbs of gold, having placed the belt on the table in front of the champ for the interview.
“It doesn’t matter. It can get wet. It can go above water, under the water – it doesn’t matter, as long as it belongs to me. My first love, eh?” Eersel said, laughing.
“It was amazing, I got my baby back. I told you I was going to create beautiful violence and I did, so I hope you guys enjoyed it.”
Frenchman Nicolas and his team could be heard shouting for a “trilogy” in the halls of Lumpinee after the loss, and Eersel is open to the idea – but further down the line.
“I’m going to move on first. I think in the future we can do a trilogy but not right now, because I’ve also got another belt and the division is waiting on me, so Muay Thai first,” Eersel said.
“We will see – whoever ONE gives me, I will always fight.”
A rematch with Dmitry Menshikov – whom Eersel knocked out in 49 seconds to defend his Muay Thai belt in June 2023 – could be on the cards, with the Russian having bounced back to reel off three straight KO wins himself.
But for now, Eersel seemed happy to revel in the moment. 
He savoured the love and congratulations from Thai fans outside in the stadium car park after finishing his media duties, taking pictures and videos with everyone who wanted them, for more than half an hour.
He also enjoyed the “amazing energy” of those inside the famed arena – especially the vocal enemy contingent.
“Also the French fans, they motivated me a lot. When I was coming up [to the ring] somebody screamed, ‘You’re going to sleep, you’re going to sleep!’” Eersel added with a laugh. 
“This was fuel for my fire, I really liked it. So keep it coming guys, keep it coming.”