‘First, Beat Grigorian Properly’ – Masaaki Noiri Tells Rukiya Anpo To Prove Himself At ONE 173 Before Rematch Talk
ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Masaaki Noiri is laser-focused on defeating reigning divisional kingpin Superbon and unifying the gold in the main event of ONE 173 at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena on Sunday, November 16.
However, a new arrival in the world’s largest martial arts organization has him fired up for what could be an exciting rematch down the line.
Three-time K-1 Champion Rukiya “Demolition Man” Anpo was officially announced as the latest addition to the ONE Championship roster during the ONE 173 Press Conference in the Japanese capital last Thursday, September 11, and he is motivated to earn a chance to exact revenge against his compatriot.
The two Japanese strikers crossed paths in the K-1 Welterweight Grand Prix Final in September 2021.
That evening in Yokohama, Noiri finished his rival with a near-identical game plan that would stun ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai three and a half years later.
After falling behind on the scorecards in the first two rounds, Noiri started finding a home for his bone-crushing leg kicks. When Anpo slowed down, the Team Vasileus representative blasted in with crisp combinations to knock his foe down three times en route to a TKO victory.
Now, with Anpo set to face three-time Kickboxing World Champion Marat Grigorian in a featherweight clash at ONE 173, the wheels could be in motion for an even more explosive sequel – assuming both men win their respective matches.
Noiri, however, isn’t looking that deeply into the crystal ball right now.
He said:
“I wish him a warm welcome to ONE. But this stage isn’t that easy. It’s not really about Rukiya specifically. I also have my own fight, and unless I beat Superbon, I don’t think I have the right to talk big.”
The 32-year-old has made it clear that both he and Anpo must handle their business at ONE 173 before there is any serious talk about them running it back.
For Noiri, that means defeating the legendary Superbon to unify the gold and become the undisputed ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion.
Anpo’s route to victory is equally challenging, with Grigorian’s frightening knockout power and veteran experience standing in his way of triumph.
Noiri continued:
“If Anpo wants to say something, then he should beat Grigorian, who [he is] already scheduled to fight. Since I’m going to beat Superbon, I’d say, ‘If you have something to say, then first, beat Grigorian properly.'”
Noiri Intrigued By Anpo’s Evolution, But Questions Ring Rust
While Masaaki Noiri respects Rukiya Anpo’s credentials, he has concerns about how the 29-year-old’s time away from competitive fighting will affect his performance against someone of Marat Grigorian’s caliber at ONE 173.
Over the past couple of years, “Demolition Man” has focused on exhibition matches, even squaring off against former eight-division Boxing World Champion Manny Pacquiao.
When asked to predict how that battle unfolds, Noiri confessed:
“Well, I don’t really know [how this fight will go]. Honestly, I just want to fight Grigorian. He’s been one of the fighters I’ve always wanted to face, so it doesn’t really matter to me who wins.
“Whoever it is, I’ll fight them. But since Rukiya has only been competing in boxing matches recently, not official kickboxing bouts, I do wonder how that will affect things. That’s a concern.”
Despite his concerns about ring rust, Noiri refuses to underestimate the former three-time K-1 Champion’s knack for putting on a show – a trait that has served the promotional newcomer well throughout his career.
Anpo’s explosive power, technical skills, and high fight IQ make him a difficult opponent regardless of his recent forays. That respect stems from their previous encounter.
Noiri’s come-from-behind knockout four years ago showed his heart, but it also displayed the legitimate danger that Anpo presents when operating at full capacity. And that is also why the interim featherweight kickboxing ruler is so interested in his countryman’s bout with Grigorian.
The Team Vasileus star said:
“The potential he has is truly top-level, so I’m simply looking forward to that fight.”
