"I'll come back stronger than ever" - Masaaki Noiri resurfaces after heartbreaking loss to Superbon at ONE 173

Japanese kickboxer Masaaki Noiri. [Image: ONE Championship]
Japanese kickboxer Masaaki Noiri. [Image: ONE Championship]

Former K-1 champion Masaaki Noiri endured a night to forget in his last outing in Tokyo, but he isn't dwelling on defeat. Instead, the Japanese slugger is already planning his redemption.

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The 32-year-old recently took to his official Instagram account (@noiri.masaaki) to share a message to fight fans after absorbing a heartbreaking defeat in the main event of ONE 173 inside Tokyo's Ariake Arena this past November.

He went down to ONE featherweight kickboxing world champion Superbon in their unification contest.

Alongside a picture of him training with longtime coach, Team Vasileus' Masakazu Watanabe, he made clear his intention to bounce back stronger from the toughest loss of his career.

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"I'll come back stronger than ever," Masaaki Noiri declared on Instagram. "I've grown this strong because I'm training with Masakazu, and I know I can get even better. I will prove that I'm the best in the world."
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His belief that better days are ahead of him suggests the Japanese warrior has identified specific areas for improvement following his defeat to the Thai megastar.

As such, when he returns to action, Noiri isn't content climbing back into contention for participation's sake. He's aiming to validate his perspective that he belongs at the absolute pinnacle of featherweight striking.


Superbon says Masaaki Noiri was just as tough as advertised

Superbon, who successfully unified the gold in the main event of ONE 173, gave Masaaki Noiri some well-earned praise during his post-fight interview with Mitch Chilson.

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The Superbon Training Camp founder highlighted the Japanese star's grit and courage as some of his biggest strengths. While at that, he, however, admitted it didn't come as much of a surprise to him as he had expected Noiri to bring those two traits into their world title tiff.

"Nothing really surprised me because I know how durable he is. I know that he could take my shot. This is his style, to be this durable," the 35-year-old offered.

The Thai overcame Masaaki Noiri via unanimous decision after an explosive back-and-forth five-round scrap inside Tokyo's Ariake Arena.

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Edited by Saiyed Adeem Karim
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