Superbon hopes to make a quick turnaround following ONE Friday Fights 81.
Later this week, Superbon will headline a pay-per-view event, ONE Friday Fights 81, inside the legendary Lumpinee Stadium. The ONE interim featherweight kickboxing world champion is scheduled for a Muay Thai fight against a well-respected opponent, who's become a fan favorite.
Over the last year, Jo Nattawut has solidified himself as a world-class striker due to three Fight of the Year contenders against Tawanchai (twice) and Luke Lessei.
'Smokin' Jo now looks to make a massive statement against a former world champion before facing Tawanchai in a Muay Thai world title rematch later this year.
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On Nov. 8, Nattawut will challenge Tawanchai for his ONE featherweight Muay Thai world title for the second time in three months.
Meanwhile, Superbon hopes also to be added to the North American event following ONE Friday Fights 81, which he explained during an interview with the South China Morning Post:
"For me, I feel 100 percent. But I cannot say that because it does not depend on me, it depends on the boss."
Friday's event headlined by Superbon vs. Jo Nattawut, also features Takeru Segawa vs. Thant Zin (flyweight kickboxing), Hiroki Akimoto vs. Ilias Ennahachi (bantamweight kickboxing), Nong-O Hama vs. Kiamran Nabati (bantamweight Muay Thai), and more.
The card can be purchased via pay-per-view on watch.onefc.com.
Watch Superbon's entire interview with the South China Morning Post below:
Could Superbon replace Jo Nattawut against Tawanchai at ONE 169: Atlanta?
It's not uncommon for a fighter in ONE Championship to have two fights booked.
With that said, Jo Nattawut is taking a massive risk by fighting an opponent of Superbon's caliber less than two months before a featherweight Muay Thai world title shot against Tawanchai.
And perhaps if Superbon can knock out Nattawut, he could take his spot at ONE 169.
Most fans, if any, would not complain about Superbon facing Tawanchai in a rematch following their instant-classic war in December 2023, which the latter won by unanimous decision.
On the contrary, Nattawut has proven to be one of the best featherweight strikers in ONE Championship, so he can't be overlooked at ONE Friday Fights 81.
Only time will tell if he avoids disaster and maintains his title shot at ONE 169.