SUPERBON: UNDISPUTED CHAMPION
Thai kickboxing icon Superbon walked out of Tokyo’s Ariake Arena on Sunday as the undisputed ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion after defeating interim titleholder Masaaki Noiri via unanimous decision. The Thai megastar fired on all cylinders throughout their five-round main event showcase to successfully unify the division’s gold at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri, which was streamed live via global pay-per-view on November 16.
Superbon’s signature high kicks landed with full force. His step-in knees broke Noiri’s forward momentum. The precision, timing, and power that the Thai warrior has become known for were on full display. Despite the dominant performance, which improved Superbon’s record to 117-37, the Thai star emerged from Tokyo with nothing but admiration for the former K-1 Champion’s inherent toughness. Noiri absorbed punishing strikes, yet never backed down, never stopped pressing forward, and never gave Superbon any respite.
The Thai veteran shared:
“Nothing really surprised me because I know how durable he is. I know that he could take my shots. This is his style, to be this durable. He looked very tough, and he’s really tough in the ring. He took a lot of damage from me, and he was still standing there. He never backed down.”
That durability forced the 35-year-old Bangkok native to execute a flawless strategy for 15 minutes. There was no easy finish for Superbon, no moment where Noiri crumbled under the onslaught. Noiri absorbed everything that came in his direction and kept marching forward even as his arms swelled from accumulated damage. But going beyond respect for the Japanese veteran’s durability, Superbon also appreciated the experience of competing in Tokyo despite the hostile atmosphere.
The undisputed ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion continued:
“I enjoyed the fight, and it was really fun to fight with him. Also, I love the Japanese fans. All the fans supported him and supported me. Cheered for him, cheered for me. I love the Japanese fans, thank you so much.”
The Road Ahead For Superbon
With the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Title successfully unified, Superbon now immediately turns his attention to a familiar nemesis. A clear challenger has emerged in three-time Kickboxing World Champion Marat Grigorian, who also tasted victory at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri this past Sunday. The Hemmers Gym affiliate enjoyed the last laugh against former K-1 Champion Rukiya “Demolition Man” Anpo, scoring a closely contested unanimous decision win in their three-round featherweight kickboxing tilt.
Superbon welcomes the idea of facing the Armenian kickboxing star again:
“For me, Marat is one of the best opponents, and it’s always fun to fight Marat. I’d love to fight with him any time, anywhere. I won’t run away from him.”
While a trilogy inside the Circle against Grigorian is at the top of Superbon’s list, it represents only part of the Superbon Training Camp founder’s grand ambition. The 35-year-old also has unfinished business with ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai, who has twice denied his dream of two-sport glory on the global stage.
Those defeats still haunt Superbon, but the opportunity to redeem himself in a rubber match while achieving double champ status remains his goal:
“Of course, I’m looking into Muay Thai always. I want to be that champion. I want the Muay Thai belt, and I have to come back. I got to fight everyone in kickboxing. Whoever is gonna stand here, I’m gonna fight them. If I beat everyone here, I’m gonna go back to Muay Thai.”
