Masaaki Noiri Aims For KO As Underdog Against Tawanchai At ONE 172

LockerRoom Team

14 Mar 2025

Masaaki Noiri found his footing in ONE Championship after a rocky start. This resurgence earned him a shot at interim gold at ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang on Sunday, March 23, in Japan’s Saitama Super Arena.

The Japanese star faces ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai for the ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Title.

Undaunted yet realistic, the 31-year-old recognizes the uphill battle against one of today's pound-for-pound best strikers.

"I think Tawanchai is pretty close to being a perfect fighter. He can punch, he can kick, and under Muay Thai rules, he can use elbows, clinch, and fight in all ranges. He can do it all. I see him as a well-rounded, almost perfect fighter," Noiri said.

Noiri will rely on his kickboxing expertise, knowing Tawanchai splits time between two sports.

Banking on experience, the Japanese athlete plans to use every second of the five-round contest to land the decisive blow.

"I'm fully committed to getting a KO. This is a fight where I must go for the finish. That's the case for every fight, but my style is always to aim for the knockout," he said.

Noiri hopes for a boost from the home crowd at Saitama Super Arena. He wants this moment to launch him to global stardom and elevate Japanese martial arts worldwide.

"Right now, everyone is wondering who can beat Tawanchai. The odds are said to be against me, but if I can overturn that, it will bring a new movement to the division," Noiri said.

"Since this fight is happening in Japan, I believe a Japanese star needs to emerge. By securing a decisive victory, I can take a step closer to becoming that star."

ONE 172: Rodtang vs. Takeru airs live Sunday, March 23, from Japan on global pay-per-view via watch.onefc.com.