Nabil Dismisses Critics, Vows to Prove Himself in Olympic Trials
Former ONE Championship Muay Thai champion Nabil Anane defended his selection for Thailand's 2028 Olympic boxing team, dismissing criticism and pledging to prove himself through official Olympic trials set for 2028.
ONE Championship, the Thai Amateur Boxing Association, and the Thai Olympic Committee announced on August 14, 2025, their support for Nabil Anane, a former ONE Championship bantamweight Muay Thai champion, to compete in Olympic boxing on behalf of Thailand's team at the 2028 Games. The announcement sparked considerable criticism regarding the selection process for Thailand's Olympic boxing roster.
Nabil Anane has since posted a clarification video on his personal Facebook, noting that the news had only just emerged and he had not yet made any official statement or provided details when criticism began. He stressed that he fully understands the need for proper selection trials to join the national team.
"When the news came out about me competing in the Olympics, it had barely been reported," Nabil said. "I hadn't even made an announcement yet, and I was already under fire. The Olympics aren't until 2028, so there's still plenty of time."
"People say I'm inexperienced or jumping in unfairly—obviously there has to be a selection process. This is Olympic-level boxing; I understand that. It's not like I just train and then go win a medal. Selection trials are normal." He continued: "I know I have to go through tryouts. If I don't make it, fine. There are other boxers too. If someone else is more capable, they should go instead of me. I just want the chance to try. If I pass the trials, great. If I don't, let the ones who did go. I'm confused—I haven't even done anything yet and the news just came out and I'm already being attacked. Never mind. I'll show you instead of talking about it. I'll prove I can do it too."
