Reigning ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon believes he has the tools to quiet the Japanese crowd when he faces interim ruler Masaaki Noiri in a title unification bout at ONE 173 on 16 November in Tokyo.
The 35-year-old Thai legend understands the challenge of competing in enemy territory but remains confident in his ability to deliver a performance that will silence the partisan Japanese audience.
"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 stated.
The pound-for-pound great brings 116 career victories and six promotional wins to this undisputed championship clash, having lost only one kickboxing bout in six ONE Championship appearances.
Superbon comes off a Muay Thai loss to Tawanchai PK Saenchai, where he failed in his bid to become a two-sport king. Now he focuses on defending his kickboxing crown against the 32-year-old Japanese interim titleholder.
The Thai legend has identified specific tactical advantages based on his experience against fighters with similar styles to Noiri.
"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 explained.
Despite his confidence, Superbon maintains respect for Noiri's dangerous capabilities.
The Japanese striker captured the interim belt with a third-round TKO victory over Tawanchai at ONE 172, establishing himself as a legitimate threat on a two-fight finishing streak.
"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," the champion acknowledged.
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