24-06-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
ONE 173: Superbon and Masaaki Noiri set for title unification showdown in Tokyo
ONE Championship has officially unveiled the first two matchups for its return to Japan later this year, and they are sure to have fans salivating at the prospect.
At a glittering press conference in Tokyo on Monday, ONE boss Chatri Sityodtong revealed that Thailand's Superbon would battle hometown hero Masaki Noiri for the right to be called undisputed ONE featherweight kickboxing world champion, while reigning heavyweight MMA king Oumar Kane would defend his belt against the man he dethroned, Anatoly Malykhin.
The two main events will headline ONE 173 at Ariake Arena on November 16, and Sityodtong also hinted that fan favourites Ayaka Miura, Nakada Yoshinari and Shinya Aoki were also expected to feature.
Noiri booked his ticket to the unification bout after a stunning knockout win over Tawanchai PK Saenchai at ONE 172 in March to claim the interim title. But now he faces arguably the most dangerous striker in the division.
'I see that fight. I think Noiri has a lot of experience, more than Tawanchai in kickboxing,' Superbon said. 'But against me, it is different. I have a lot of experience in kickboxing. I'm the best in kickboxing, so I will be the best.'
Noiri, meanwhile, said he was 'very grateful' to be fighting in such a high-profile event, and promised fans 'it will end with knockout – KO'.
