Masaaki Noiri says he's had his sights on Superbon for a long time: "I've always envisioned how I'd fight him"

Masaaki Noiri didn't stumble into this world title unification shot against Superbon, he's been planning a route towards this moment for a long time.

The 32-year-old interim champion faces the reigning divisional king for the undisputed ONE featherweight kickboxing world title that headlines ONE 173 inside the Ariake Arena on Sunday, November 16.

In a pre-fight interview with ONE Championship ahead of their massive main event showdown, the interim titleholder revealed that facing Superbon has been a long-term goal rather than a recent development.

"I have been gunning to fight Superbon ever since he became the champion. I've always envisioned how I'd fight him," Masaaki Noiri said.

Noiri, teammates with fellow former K-1 champions Yuki Yoza and Takeru Segawa at Team Vasileus, claimed the interim featherweight kickboxing title with a fierce TKO of Tawanchai PK Saenchai at ONE 172 inside the legendary Saitama Super Arena earlier this year.

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Masaaki Noiri's mental preparation could provide edge in world title unification contest

Mental visualization and fight preparation often separate good fighters from great ones, and Masaaki Noiri's long-term focus on Superbon suggests he's left nothing to chance.

By envisioning how he'd approach the Thai striking icon long before the fight was even signed, Noiri has given himself a psychological advantage through detailed game-planning and scenario preparation.

Of course, the 32-year-old will have the entire Ariake Arena behind him on home soil, meaning that the combination of mental preparation with crowd support and the momentum from his TKO of Tawanchai brews the perfect storm for an upset.

However, the Bangkok-based Superbon has faced elite competition throughout his decorated career and won't be rattled by an opponent's preparation, no matter how thorough.

Who leaves Tokyo as the undisputed featherweight kickboxing king? Will it be the Thai megastar or the Japanese hero?

Tickets for ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri are available here. Meanwhile, watch.onefc.com has all the how-to-watch details for ONE's blockbuster return to Japan.