appConfigEntityId

bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

isVideo

articlePageQuery

article

articleSchemaContent

content

hooksArticlePageAdvertisementConfigArticle

hooksArticlePageFloatingButtonConfigArticle

appConfig

filter

json

liveArticle

Andrew Whitelaw

Superlek Kiatmoo9 has seen and heard it all in his storied career, but Japan’s Yuki Yoza may have given him extra motivation ahead of their clash at ONE 173 in Tokyo.
The Thai superstar, known worldwide as “The Kicking Machine”, makes his return to kickboxing this weekend after a brief injury lay-off. His opponent has been making headlines of his own, confidently declaring that he will be the new Kicking Machine after their bout.
Either way, many fans have earmarked this fight as the pick of the bunch on a card full of stone cold bangers, so if it lives up to the hype, the viewers will be in for something very special.
Superlek was unmoved by Yoza’s bravado. “I think nothing of it,” he said with a smile. “Maybe he talks so much because he’s scared of me. This is my comeback, and I’m very focused.
“Yuki talks a lot, but I’ll see him on Sunday.”


The 30-year-old has competed hundreds of times, collected world titles and remained one of the most respected names in Muay Thai and kickboxing. Yet even with his accolades, Superlek admitted that returning to Japan for a major card had him fired up again.
“I’m very excited,” he said. “It’s been a while, and this is a big event. I’m fighting a Japanese superstar, but I’m a superstar too. I’ll remind everyone of that.”
Yoza, 27, who fights out of the Vasilius Gym alongside Masaaki Noiri and Takeru Segawa – who also have monster clashes on the card – enters with the confidence of a man on a winning streak and the support of a home crowd.

After facing Superlek at the official face-off, he admitted he could sense the Thai’s intensity. “When I looked into his eyes, I could feel his strength,” he said. “That made me even more excited for this fight.”
Asked if he feared Superlek’s trademark low kicks, which famously damaged Takeru’s leg last year, Yoza dismissed the concern.
“He’s strong, but I’ve trained with 100kg fighters in Kyokushin karate. I can handle the kicks. I’ve taken harder,” he said.
The Japanese star also vowed to push the pace in Tokyo. “I’ll show all my weapons,” he said. “I don’t plan to fight the same way he does. I want to put on a show and go for the knockout.”


Superlek, meanwhile, said he had added new tricks to his arsenal since his last outing. “It might be the same as before, but with new elements,” he teased. “I’ve trained hard. I’m ready to show what’s next.”
Both men have mutual respect despite the verbal exchanges. Yoza spoke positively of his opponent, calling him “a true superstar” and said he expected a “beautiful fight for the fans”.
But he also made it clear he saw this as his moment to break through. “It’s not the toughest fight of my career,” Yoza said. “I had a harder one before. This is my chance to climb the rankings and move towards the world title.”
Superlek echoed that sentiment, seeing Yoza’s rise as a reflection of Japan’s growing influence in striking.
“There are many Thai versus Japan fights on this card,” he said. “I hope all the Thai athletes show their best skills and remind everyone that Thailand still has the best strikers in the world.”


Promoter behind Strikeforce, Bellator MMA, to launch new 32-fighter combat league

Macau will be launch pad to Asia as promotion looks East, UFC boss Kevin Chang says

ONE Championship: Yod-IQ Pimolsri secures contract, eyes rematch with Abdulla Dayakaev

ONE Championship: Superbon insists his longevity, success are rooted in discipline over sacrifice

ONE Championship

ONE Championship: Superlek Kiatmoo9, Yuki Yoza trade verbal kicks ahead of Tokyo showdown

Superlek Kiatmoo9 (left) will face off with Yuki Yoza in what fans think will be the best fight of the night at ONE 173 on Sunday. Photo: ONE Championship

Superlek Kiatmoo9 shows his skills during a seminar in Hong Kong in July. Photo: Edmond So

ONE Championship: Rodtang Jitmuangnon vows to ‘fight like a rocket’ against Nong-O Hama

A playful Rodtang Jitmuangnon (left) will face fellow Thai Nong-O Hama at ONE 173 in Tokyo on November 16. Photo: ONE Championship

Rodtang appeared at the press conference in Malaysian attire. Photo: ONE Championship

ONE Championship: Superbon vows to defend his crown as Masaaki Noiri eyes another shock

Thailand’s Superbon Singha Mawynn (left) will defend his ONE featherweight kickboxing world title against Japan’s Masaaki Noiri (right) on Sunday. Photo: ONE Championship

ONE 173 at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena on Sunday will feature a card stacked with elite strikers. Photo: Handout

Sport

Martial Arts

Kickboxing

‘The Kicking Machine’ vows to remind Japan who the superstar is, while Japanese fighter says he will own the nickname after their fight


‘The Kicking Machine’ vows to remind Japan who the superstar is, while Japanese fighter says he will own the nickname after their fight.


Superlek Kiatmuu9

Yuki Yoza

ONE Championship: Superlek Kiatmoo9, Yuki Yoza trade verbal kicks ahead of Tokyo showdown

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}‘The Kicking Machine’ vows to remind Japan who the superstar is, while Japanese fighter says he will own the nickname after their fight

‘The Kicking Machine’ vows to remind Japan who the superstar is, while Japanese fighter says he will own the nickname after their fight