ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion “The Kicking Machine” Superlek Kiatmoo9 has unfinished business in Japan, and he’s ready to get it done on Sunday, November 16.
The Thai megastar will face former K-1 Champion Yuki Yoza in an explosive bantamweight kickboxing showdown at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri inside Ariake Arena in Tokyo.
This bout represents a crucial return for the Kiatmoo9 Gym product, who saw his lengthy 13-fight winning streak snapped in his last appearance in Japan. There, he not only lost his belt on the scales but dropped a unanimous decision to recently crowned ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nabil Anane.
That defeat – his first since February 2021 – served as a wake-up call for the 29-year-old Buriram native, who has spent the past five months meticulously preparing for his return to the global stage.
Superlek said:
“My comeback will be something else. I won’t repeat the same mistake. I’m ready to show my skills to the Japanese fans. This fight is very important. I’m coming back to the Circle this time, and I need to do better.”
Now, Superlek cannot wait to showcase his upgrades on another star-studded spectacle in Japan. In fact, the event is going to happen inside the very venue where he toppled former three-division K-1 Champion Takeru “Natural Born Krusher” Segawa in the main event of ONE 165 in January 2024.
While thrilled to return to action, “The Kicking Machine” knows another tough test awaits him when he challenges Yoza, who brings a 12-fight winning streak into this showdown.
The ONE World Champion continued:
“I’m not intimidated by this fight, even if it turns out to be a kicking war. I’m already working on my tactics for this fight. Yuki is a strong fighter. He’s a fast striker. I think those are his main strengths.”
Yuki Yoza Eyes Third Straight Win In ONE Championship
Yuki Yoza will arrive at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri in top shape. The Japanese striker won 10 straight matches before joining the world’s largest martial arts organization, where he has flourished in two appearances.
He debuted in style by becoming the first man to defeat Russian warrior Elbrus Osmanov at ONE Friday Fights 109. Another striking clinic followed suit as he earned a unanimous decision win over former ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Petchtanong Petchfergus just last month.
Given the form he’s in, the Team Vasileus representative expects nothing less than another clinical display against Superlek Kiatmoo9.
He said:
“I’m happy to finally showcase myself in front of the Japanese fans again. It feels amazing to return to fight in Japan.
“This is a fight where the world will remember the name Yuki Yoza. I’m fired up and ready to prove I’m the best in the world.”
As game as he is, the 27-year-old prefers not to bite more than he can chew against someone of Superlek’s caliber.
Beyond his motivation to treat his hometown crowd to another pristine performance, the kickboxing specialist has nothing but respect for his opposite number.
Yoza added:
“I see him as one of ONE’s pound-for-pound best. I’m ready to test my kicks against his. This is payback for Japanese striking fighters. I’m here to prove that I’m the strongest in the world.”
AloJapan.com