“I simply wanted to get stronger” - Masaaki Noiri recalls how bullying led him to develop a love for martial arts
Ahead of his debut in ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II, Masaaki Noiri is ramping up his preparation and sharing a heartfelt story about why he fell in love with martial arts.
The Japanese star is slated to fight the current No.3-ranked featherweight kickboxing contender Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong. Their bout will be aired live in U.S. primetime from the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
Even though many people would not realize it, Noiri feels a strong connection with karate, the traditional martial arts of his birthplace and something that formed his foundations since he was a child.
Speaking to ONE, Masaaki Noiri recalled his early days in karate:
"I started in December of 2nd grade. When I was being bullied, it was my middle brother's friend who came to stop it. That friend did karate, so that's how I got into it. I was really excited about my first karate class. I simply wanted to get stronger, so I started karate."
"He's a big name in Japan" - Sitthichai ready for a tough challenge in Masaaki Noiri
Back in Thailand, Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong feels extremely confident that he will be able to spoil the much-awaited debut of Japanese kickboxer Masaaki Noiri. Although facing a big name and a world champion in Noiri, the Thai kickboxer feels he will still have an edge because of his brawns and brain.
This confidence, as he shared with ONE a while ago, will be key to his triumph:
"I understand that he's a big name in Japan, and he's the K-1 world champion, but I also believe that I'm second to none in terms of kickboxing. And I believe the fight will be fun because we both like to win, and he also hasn't fought in a long time as well. But I am very determined that this time, I will get the victory."
As both fighters carry massive confidence, determination, skills, and power, their upcoming fight in the loaded ONE 167 card should not be missed.
ONE 167 is available live and free to all Amazon Prime subscribers in North America in U.S. primetime on June 7.