"I've been watching Jo all the time" - Superbon says 'Smokin' Jo Nattawut has always been on his radar
Superbon has always known that his paths will cross with Jo Nattawut sooner or later.
That day has finally come, as these two Thai striking savants will finally share the iconic Lumpinee Stadium ring in the curtain closer of ONE Friday Fights 81: Superbon vs. Nattawut on Sept. 27.
Before becoming the interim featherweight kickboxing world champion, Superbon paid his dues in Thailand's ultra-competitive Muay Thai circuit.
At the time, the 34-year-old was enamored by his compatriot Nattawut, who was proudly representing Thailand in America's striking scene.
As fate would have it, the pair of elite strikers found their way to the world's largest martial arts organization's talent-stacked 155-pound division.
Both men initially went on their separate ways, but now all roads will lead them to their long overdue showdown.
Speaking during the ONE Friday Fights 81 virtual press conference, The Superbon Training Camp head honcho expressed his admiration for 'Smokin' Jo:
"Yes, I've been watching Jo all the time because we come from the same division. I think Jo has very good punches—very sharp and heavy—and his combinations [are impressive too]."
Styles do make fights, and fans will certainly be in for a wild three-rounder given these two warriors' skill sets. Will Jo Nattawut's forward aggression power him to victory? Or will Superbon's fluid counterstriking get him the dub? We'll find out soon enough.
Watch the Superbon and Nattawut's pre-event interviews:
Superbon confident he can handle Jo Nattawut's fiery punches
Jo Nattawut isn't your typical Muay Thai fighter since his punch-heavy attacks bear a lot of Western influence.
Even reigning featherweight Muay Thai world champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai has struggled against the relentless gunslinger's in-your-face style.
Superbon, however, doesn't see anything special behind 'Smokin' Jo's fists of fury:
“I think everyone I’ve fought has heavier punches than Jo," he told ONE Championship. "I’m confident that I can handle them.”
ONE Friday Fights 81 will air live in Asian primetime via PPV at watch.onefc.com