The stage is set for one of the most anticipated kickboxing bouts of the year as ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon and ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Masaaki Noiri faced off during this week’s ONE 173 press conference in Tokyo.
Their title unification showdown will headline the blockbuster card at Ariake Arena on 16 November.
For Noiri, the moment represents the culmination of a remarkable journey from his challenging debut in ONE Championship to capturing interim gold with a spectacular victory over Tawanchai PK Saenchai.
“I was very excited when I was fighting Tawanchai even during the match. The fact that I will be fighting against Superbon will be more exciting,” the Japanese champion said.
“He’s been there since I first started with ONE Championship, and to be fighting against him in a grand platform, I’m very grateful to everybody who made this happen for me, especially Mr. Chatri for making this come true. I’m looking forward to the event.”
Superbon approaches the unification bout with the confidence of a champion who has faced and conquered the division’s elite.
The Thai superstar sees this fight as crucial to cementing his legacy whilst keeping future options open.
“I think this fight is going to prove once again that I am a top player. I feel that as the champion, it’s important for me to win this fight,” Superbon said. “And then I want to go back to the rematch against Tawanchai. So I cannot lose this fight for sure.”
Both champions expressed mutual respect whilst acknowledging the magnitude of their upcoming clash.
Noiri offered high praise for his opponent’s abilities, saying, “I think Superbon is a great athlete, and my impression is he will probably be stronger or more competitive than Tawanchai.”
Superbon returned the respect whilst maintaining his championship confidence: “I saw that fight and I think Noiri has a lot more experience, more than Tawanchai in kickboxing. But against me, it’s different. I have a lot of experience in kickboxing. I’m the best in kickboxing, and I will be the best.”
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