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After signing with ONE Championship less than two weeks ago, two-division K-1 World Champion Masaaki Noiri is wasting no time getting back into action. The Japanese superstar has already secured his first promotional appearance and is gearing up to make his mark in the featherweight kickboxing division.
Noiri will make his highly anticipated debut against #3-ranked contender Sitthichai “Killer Kid” Sitsongpeenong at ONE 167: Stamp vs. Zamboanga on Prime Video. The event, set to broadcast live in U.S. primetime on June 7, will take place at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
Having made a name for himself on the Japanese kickboxing scene, Noiri boasts an impressive 49-11 record with a lethal 51 percent finishing rate. His recent dominance includes knockout victories over former champions such as Rukiya Anpo, Hasan Troy, Amansio Paraschiv, Kona Kato, and Ayinta Ali.
In addition to capturing several titles, including the K-1 Super Lightweight and Welterweight Titles, Noiri now has his sights set on the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Championship.
To achieve this goal, Noiri must first secure his 50th career win by defeating the formidable Sitthichai, who is considered one of the greatest pound-for-pound kickboxers in the world. The Thai legend boasts an impressive record of 128-35-5 across Muay Thai and kickboxing and has earned victories over top competitors in ONE Championship.
However, Sitthichai is currently on a two-bout skid for the first time in 15 years, having lost to Mohammad Siasarani and #2-ranked contender Marat Grigorian. To bounce back and re-enter the World Title picture, Sitthichai will need to spoil Noiri's ONE debut on June 7.