"I think I'll have to do better" - Masaaki Noiri expects Superbon to be a tougher fight than Tawanchai

ONE interim featherweight kickboxing world champion Masaaki Noiri knows his TKO of Tawanchai turned heads, but he's convinced an even more impressive performance will be required to dethrone Superbon.

The 32-year-old Japanese fighter challenges reigning champion Superbon for the undisputed ONE featherweight kickboxing world title in a unification bout that headlines ONE 173 inside the Ariake Arena on Sunday, Nov. 16.

During the ONE 173 final press conference on Wednesday, Nov. 12, the Team Vasileus star opened up about his expectations for their massive main event showdown and why he believes he'll need to elevate his performance beyond what he showed against Tawanchai.

"Well, I defeated Tawanchai. That must've been shocking to many of the audience. But I think I'll have to do better. Other than that, I'll create a bigger shock and a bigger KO. So, in that sense, on Nov. 16, I'm going to get the job done," Masaaki Noiri said.

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Masaaki Noiri's conviction that he needs to surpass his Tawanchai performance demonstrates the mindset of a fighter peaking at exactly the right time in his career.

The clash between Thai technical mastery and Japanese power, defending champion and hungry challenger, sets the stage for an unforgettable main event when these two lock horns to determine the undisputed featherweight kickboxing king.

Fight fans can purchase their PPV passes for ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri by visiting live.onefc.com. The world's largest martial arts organization's star-studded return to Japan features five world title fights and takes place inside the Ariake Arena in Tokyo.

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Masaaki Noiri hints that he'll have a few tricks up his sleeve at ONE 173

Leading up to this main event showdown, Superbon remains confident as ever that he'll have Masaaki Noiri's number in Tokyo. The latter doesn't buy that theory, though.

In a separate interview with ONE Championship, the Japanese slugger said he has more than just a high-pressure fight style for this clash against the Thai megastar.

"Superbon probably thinks he can effectively negate my fighting style. But I'm not limited to such a pressure-fighting style, and I'm capable of demonstrating more versatility," the 32-year-old shared.

Who leaves Tokyo with the undisputed title? Will it be the Thai megastar or the Japanese hero? Share your predictions below!

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Edited by Aziel Karthak