ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Masaaki Noiri reveals his strategy to dethrone reigning champion Superbon in the main event of ONE 173 to unify the division's gold on 16 November in Tokyo, Japan.
The 32-year-old Japanese star will have his home crowd behind him as he faces the 35-year-old Thai pound-for-pound striking great. The Japanese challenger rides a two-fight winning streak with both victories coming by finish. His stunning knockout of Tawanchai announced his arrival among the division's absolute best.
The Japanese interim champion has studied Superbon extensively since the Thai star captured the featherweight title. Noiri has prepared multiple game plans and will make the final decision on which strategy to employ based
on how the fight unfolds.
"I have been gunning to fight Superbon ever since he became the champion. I had plenty of opportunities to study him thoroughly. I'm sure he did the same. I've got my game plans locked in and ready. It's just a matter of figuring out which one to apply," Noiri said.
"Right now, I'm holding the belt as an interim champion, but it's not the official belt. Since it's a temporary one, I want to win decisively and be able to proudly proclaim myself as the undisputed World Champion. "
Noiri's analysis of Superbon identifies the Thai champion's high kicks as his most dangerous weapon. The timing, angles, and lethality of Superbon's signature technique have finished numerous elite opponents throughout his legendary career.
However, despite recognizing the threat and respecting his opponent's accomplishments, the Japanese challenger enters with absolute confidence in his ability to capture gold. Fact is, Noiri has no interest in a close decision victory.
"His biggest weapon is definitely the high kick. Their timing, angle, and lethality are impeccable. His high kicks are the most formidable weapons that I need to watch out for," Noiri said.
"He's a great fighter whom I respect, but I am absolutely confident in prevailing against him. I believe that it is crucial for me to knock him out. I have absolutely no intention of scraping by with a decision victory. I'm confident I can finish him decisively. "
ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri features five highly anticipated ONE World Title bouts along with several high-octane non-title clashes. Fans in Indian can catch all the action live on pay-per-view at live.onefc.com.
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