Superbon enters enemy territory to face Masaaki Noiri with the cold confidence that his performance will reduce the Japanese audience to stunned silence.
The reigning ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion fights the interim titleholder in the main event of AN 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, November 16 at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. This unification conflict determines the sole ruler of the 155 pound division. The 35-year-old Thai veteran takes on the biggest fight of his career against a dangerous opponent who has proven his knack for delivering the improbable.
Superbon built his entire professional record of 116-37 by competing against the world’s best on foreign soil. His performances in the ring have electrified arenas around the world, making him a beloved martial arts figure in Thailand. The founder of Superbon Training Camp remains completely unfazed by the challenge that awaits him on Japanese soil.
Noiri leads the latest wave of Japanese strikers in ONE Championship, fueling belief across the country that its stars can hold their own among the elite. The interim champion shocked the world by knocking out Tawanchai PK Saenchai at ONE 172 last March, earning his shot at undisputed glory. But Superbon refuses to join the hype surrounding the revival of Japanese kickboxing.
The Thai legend made a career out of making dangerous opponents look ordinary. He plans to do the same when the Circle door closes and the bell rings in Tokyo. His experience against world-class competition gives him confidence that Noiri’s recent success will not translate into fighting someone who has conquered similar fighting styles throughout his distinguished career.
“I feel like the crowd is roaring really loudly for the fighters of their home country. At the end of the day, there are only two fighters fighting each other in the ring,” he said.
“I am confident that I will perform well and quiet the crowd. After the match there will be people asking to take pictures with me.”
Superbon will not repeat Tawanchai’s mistakes against Masaaki Noiri
Superbon watched Masaaki Noiri earn his respect with a pair of electric finishes in his last two fights. The most impressive came against ONE Muay Thai featherweight world champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai, who himself has two wins over Superbon.
The Team Vasileus representative faced overwhelming odds against the heavily favored Thai superstar. Few gave Noiri any chance, but he pulled off a stunning upset that sent shockwaves through the division. While the world expected Tawanchai to win easily, Superbon knew his compatriot was at a disadvantage compared to Noiri’s superior kickboxing experience.
The Thai tactician acknowledged that the differences between disciplines would be to the Japanese striker’s advantage. Kickboxing eliminates leg jerking after kicking, prohibits holding during strikes, and has different timing than Muay Thai. These subtle but significant differences proved decisive for Noiri, who exploited them perfectly.
Superbon watched as Noiri dismantled a seemingly invincible opponent in the blink of an eye. That reminds us that one small mistake in this sport can mean the difference between victory and defeat. The ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion prepares to defend his throne at all costs against a proven dynasty ender.
“I don’t think it’s that surprising because Noiri has been a kickboxer for so long. Tawanchai used to do kickboxing too, but he wasn’t as great as he was in Muay Thai,” Superbon said.
“When you’re in the ring with your opponent, no one is really the underdog. The key is who is better prepared, better prepared and better planned for every moment up there.”
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