“You can get knocked out” - Superbon says competing in ONE Championship’s cutthroat Muay Thai ranks is risky business
ONE interim featherweight kickboxing world champion Superbon has found himself competing in Muay Thai matches of late, leaving him with more realizations about the "art of eight limbs," including how the small gloves used in the sport could work as a double-edged sword.
The Thai superstar spoke about this in a recent interview with the South China Morning Post in line with his scheduled Muay Thai match at ONE Friday Fights 81: Superbon vs. Nattawut on Sept. 27. He will go up against veteran Jo Nattawut in a featherweight clash, which will serve as the headlining contest of the event happening at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Superbon said of the four-ounce gloves used in ONE Championship as compared to the bigger ones for kickboxing:
"With the small gloves, you need to protect yourself better because if you open your guard, you can get knocked out. Sometimes with the big gloves, you can still get the block. So you need to be careful."
Watch the interview below:
Superbon made his first foray in Muay Thai under ONE Championship back in December, challenging reigning featherweight king Tawanchai PK Saenchai for the title. He gave everything he had in the marquee match, taking the champion to the full route of five rounds but fell short by majority decision.
He returned to his traditional lane of kickboxing in last match in April, defeating longtime rival Marat Grigorian by unanimous decision to claim the ONE interim featherweight kickboxing world title.
Superbon not underestimating Jo Nattawut in clash at ONE Friday Fights 81
Superbon is confident of emerging on top in his scheduled Muay Thai match at ONE Friday Fights 81 on Sept. 27. But he is not underestimating opponent Jo Nattawut, believing that as a grizzled veteran, 'Smokin' Jo has stuff up his sleeve.
He shared this in the same interview with the South China Morning Post, highlighting how Nattawut brings his full skill set every time he competes and battles with all heart.
Superbon said:
"I think he has good hand skills -- good boxing. Jo has a lot of experience against top fighters in the featherweight division."
Superbon and Nattawut are the No. 1 and No. 2 contenders, respectively, in the featherweight Muay Thai division and out to fortify their stature in the cutthroat weight class.