ONE Championship recently held a press conference in Tokyo, Japan, to unveil key details about their upcoming ONE 173 event, scheduled for November 16th.
During the conference, it was officially announced that the main event for ONE 173 will feature a highly anticipated showdown between Superbon and Masaaki Noiri. Following Noiri`s victory over Tawanchai at ONE 172, where he claimed the interim ONE Featherweight Kickboxing belt, this bout will unify the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Championship.
The co-main event is set to be a rematch between the undisputed ONE Heavyweight MMA champion, `Reug Reug` Oumar Kane, and former champion Anatoly Malykhin.
ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong also confirmed the appearance of Japanese superstars Takeru and Nadaka Yoshinari on the card, with their respective opponents to be announced at a later date.
Notably, Takeru has publicly challenged Rodtang to a rematch, proposing `open-finger glove boxing rules or even bare-knuckle rules.` Rodtang has accepted, stating his willingness to compete under any conditions Takeru suggests. Their previous encounter in March saw Rodtang secure a rapid and decisive first-round knockout.
Adding to the excitement, Yuki Yoza made an appearance at the press conference. Yoza is scheduled to face Petchtanong on July 18th, and the winner of that match will earn a shot at Jonathan Haggerty`s ONE Championship Bantamweight Kickboxing World Championship at ONE 173. This confirms a third title bout for the November 16th event.
ONE 173 is scheduled to take place at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. Fans can anticipate further fight announcements in the coming weeks.
Ellis Thorne