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Former two-division K-1 world champion Masaaki Noiri believes that when it comes to striking, ONE Championship's massive pool of strikers is a class above any promotions.
The 30-year-old, officially signed with the promotion earlier this week, is expected to ply his trade amongst the cream of the crop in the featherweight division, and he couldn't contain his excitement at the chance to trade leather with the very best stand-up specialists in The Home of Martial Arts.
Masaaki Noiri offered his thoughts on the promotion's world-class talent in an interview with ONE, saying:
"I believe ONE is the ultimate stage for striking, so I wanted to challenge myself in that ring."
Frankly, it takes a lot for a person of his caliber to recognize that.
The karate stylist reached the very pinnacle of K-1 with two grand prix world titles in the super lightweight and welterweight divisions. Before dazzling in the realm of kickboxing, the Nagoya native scooped the WBC Japanese Muay Thai strap.
Whether or not he features in Muay Thai in four-ounce gloves or kickboxing, entertainment should be guaranteed.
After all, he wants to display his explosive style that should be an instant hit on the global stage of ONE.
In the same interview, the Japanese kickboxing sensation shared:
"I'm pursuing to be the strongest in the world through martial arts, so I chose this path to test if the current Masaaki Noiri can make it in ONE."
Masaaki Noiri can work his way to ONE gold
Masaaki Noiri will have no easy assignment when he gets his promotional tenure underway.
However, if the 30-year-old contender can outclass the likes of Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong, Jimmy Vienot, Luke Lessei, and Marat Grigorian in either kickboxing or Muay Thai, a world title opportunity could fall at his door.
Sitting atop the featherweight kickboxing division are world champion Chingiz Allazov and interim titleholder Superbon.
Meanwhile, Thai superstar Tawanchai PK Saenchai currently rules over the division's Muay Thai sector.
