ONE 173 preview and prediction: Superbon vs. Masaaki Noiri

The undisputed ONE featherweight kickboxing world champion will be crowned when reigning king Superbon locks horns against interim titleholder Masaaki Noiri in what promises to be a war for the ages.

The 35-year-old Thai megastar faces the 32-year-old Japanese striking specialist in the main event of ONE 173, which broadcasts live via global pay-per-view inside Tokyo's Ariake Arena on Sunday, Nov. 16.

Superbon, who many view as the greatest kickboxer of his generation, has beaten several legends, including Giorgio Petrosyan, Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong, and Marat Grigorian in his decorated career.

He's been in fine form throughout his campaign in the world's largest martial arts organization, and he'll be more than ready to put on another career-defining performance on one of martial arts' most stacked cards ever.

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Meanwhile, after a tough start to life in ONE last year, Masaaki Noiri returned with a vengeance in 2025. The Japanese star finished Shakir Al-Tekreeti in January before delivering the performance of his career—a fierce TKO of Tawanchai on home soil at ONE 172 in Saitama in March to claim interim gold.

Here's our official prediction for this massive ONE featherweight kickboxing world title unification bout inside the Japanese capital city this Sunday, Nov. 16.

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Prediction: Superbon to beat Masaaki Noiri via unanimous decision

Masaaki Noiri certainly does possess legitimate power and carries momentum from his stunning TKO of Tawanchai. However, I see Superbon's technical excellence and world championship experience proving decisive in hostile territory.

The Thai megastar understands how to neutralize power punchers through superior distance management and timing. While Masaaki Noiri will have the entire Ariake Arena behind him, Superbon shouldn't be too fazed by fighting in enemy territory.

Aggression will be the name of the game in the first round. Noiri will bring a high-octane style while the crowd roars behind him. Superbon, though, will weather the storm and identify patterns to exploit.

By Round 2, the Superbon Training Camp founder will begin imposing his technical striking—using trademark teeps to control distance, landing clean counters, and mixing in devastating body kicks.

Masaaki Noiri will have moments, but Superbon's defensive awareness will prevent most of the Japanese fighter's heavy shots from landing flush.

Round 3 should see Superbon take control as his superior conditioning allows him to maintain pace while Noiri feels the effects of chasing an elusive target. The Thai striker will frustrate the hometown hero by staying one step ahead and banking rounds with technical superiority.

Both championship rounds should belong to Superbon. As Noiri presses harder for the knockout he promised, the Thai veteran will capitalize on openings created by desperate aggression.

Clean teeps, sharp counters, and body kicks will pile up points while Noiri's power shots miss their mark.

When the final bell sounds, Superbon will have his hand raised via unanimous decision—silencing the Tokyo crowd and proving that Thai technical mastery still reigns supreme.

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Edited by Aziel Karthak