"I'm not surprised" - Superbon says he expected Masaaki Noiri to be really tough in ONE 173 main event banger

Superbon knew exactly what kind of war awaited him in hostile territory, and Masaaki Noiri delivered on every expectation.

The 35-year-old Thai striking icon unified the ONE featherweight kickboxing world championship with a unanimous decision victory over interim titleholder Masaaki Noiri in the main event of ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, Nov. 16, inside Tokyo's Ariake Arena.

But the undisputed king acknowledged during the post-event press conference that his Japanese opponent's legendary toughness never wavered across 15 grueling minutes.

"I'm not surprised. He looked very tough, and he's really tough in the ring," the Bangkok-based warrior offered, before adding, "He had it big for me. He [took] a lot of damage from me and he's still standing there, never backed [down]."

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His respect for Noiri's durability wasn't empty praise. It was earned through five punishing rounds where the former K-1 champion absorbed devastating head kicks, step-in knees, and thunderous strikes yet continued marching forward with unwavering courage.

By the fifth and final frame, damage had accumulated on Noiri's arms and body from absorbing Superbon's relentless output.

The interim champion dug deep into his reserves, throwing everything he had left in a valiant effort to turn the tide. But despite his heart and determination, the Bangkok-based warrior's technical superiority proved insurmountable.

"I enjoy[ed] the fight, and [it was] really fun to fight with him. And I love Japanese fans. All the fans support him, support me. Cheered for him, cheered for me. I love Japanese fans, thank you so much," Superbon continued, expressing gratitude for competing in Japan.

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Superbon says his radar is locked on two-sport glory next

In the same post-event presser, Superbon shared that he wants to clash against Tawanchai PK Saenchai for the third time in an attempt to unseat him from the ONE featherweight Muay Thai throne.

"I got to fight everyone in kickboxing, never mind who[ever] is gonna stand here. I'm gonna fight him. If I beat everyone here, I'm gonna go back to Muay Thai," the 35-year-old striking genius shared.

The ONE 173 replay PPV pass is available to purchase at live.onefc.com.

Fans who already purchased tickets to watch the show live can head to the same website to relive all the action from a magical night out inside Tokyo's Ariake Arena.

ONE Championship will return to the same venue inside the Japanese capital for ONE 175 on Tuesday, April 28, next year.

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Edited by Aziel Karthak