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Reigning ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon has boldly declared his intention to silence the home crowd when he steps into enemy territory to face Japan’s interim titleholder, Masaaki Noiri, in their unification bout at ONE 173 on Sunday, November 16, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. The 35-year-old expressed confidence in his ability to neutralize the hostile atmosphere while acknowledging the legitimate threat posed by the Japanese challenger coming off a stunning victory over mutual opponent Tawanchai PK Saenchai.
Thai Champion Superbon Plans to Mute Japanese Crowd Support
Superbon dismissed concerns about competing in Noiri’s backyard, expressing confidence that his performance inside the Circle will ultimately silence the partisan crowd. The pound-for-pound striking great believes the fight’s outcome depends solely on what happens between two elite competitors rather than the external noise surrounding them.
“I feel like the crowd roars very loudly for the fighters of their home countries. In the end, there are only two fighters fighting one another in the ring. I am quite confident that I will perform well and be able to mute the audience,” Superbon said.
The Thai champion brings 116 career victories into this unification bout, having compiled six promotional wins with just a single kickboxing defeat in ONE Championship. His most recent setback came against Tawanchai in a ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Title bout, ending his bid to become a two-sport champ.
Superbon’s Experience Against Similar Styles Provides Edge
The reigning champion revealed that he has faced numerous opponents with fighting styles similar to Noiri’s throughout his extensive career, providing him with familiarity that could prove decisive. Superbon expressed confidence in his preparation and ability to implement proven strategies against the Japanese challenger’s approach.
“I have seen many kickboxers with the same fighting style as Noiri. I have been training in the same style for kickboxing. I have some methods to cope with great and strong kickboxers with this same style,” Superbon offered.
The 32-year-old Noiri captured interim gold with a shocking third-round TKO victory over Tawanchai at ONE 172, avenging Superbon’s loss while earning his championship opportunity. The Japanese striker’s current two-bout winning streak has come via stoppage, demonstrating the finishing ability that makes him dangerous.
Thai Legend Refuses to Underestimate Japanese Champion
Despite his confidence and experience advantages, Superbon made clear he harbors no illusions about Noiri’s capabilities following the Japanese fighter’s upset victory over Tawanchai. The Thai champion acknowledged that kickboxing’s volatile nature means any opponent can end fights with single strikes.
“I cannot take him for granted at all because he showed it in his previous fight with Tawanchai. It was thought that Tawanchai was far beyond him, but in this sport, you can get knocked off easily in one shot,” Superbon cautioned about underestimating his opponent.
The clash between two elite featherweight kickboxers promises technical brilliance and explosive action when Superbon and Noiri seek to unify the belts. ONE 173 takes place on Sunday, November 16, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
