Superbon Named 2021 Male ONE Super Series Striker Of The Year
Superbon needed just one fight in 2021 to forever change the course of kickboxing history, and as a result, he’s been named the Male ONE Super Series Striker of the Year.
The Thai earned this prestigious accolade by stunning a true legend who’d gone undefeated for seven years and had lost just twice in 108 career fights – Giorgio “The Doctor” Petrosyan.
The two men battled for the inaugural ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Title at ONE: FIRST STRIKE on 15 October.
At the time, Petrosyan had established himself as a mainstay in ONE Super Series by defeating seven elite strikers in under three years. Those opponents included future ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy and a trio of fellow contenders en route to winning the 2019 ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix.
In contrast, 31-year-old Superbon had fought just once in the organization, scoring a decision win over Sitthichai “Killer Kid” Sitsongpeenong. And although he’d defeated some big names throughout his career, his winning streak only stretched back three years.
Because of this, fans thought Petrosyan would have another easy night – but Superbon had other ideas.
In fact, the Thai always believed in his heart that he could beat the man who many consider the kickboxing GOAT. He even claimed that Petrosyan had been ducking him leading up to their main event showdown.
And when the two athletes entered the Circle in Singapore, fans were blessed with a matchup they had spent years praying for. The outcome, however, was unimaginable – until it happened.
Only 20 seconds into round two of their World Title tilt, Petrosyan threw his trademark left hand but couldn’t bring it back in time.
Meanwhile, Superbon had already let go of a powerful right high kick, and it landed flush on the icon’s exposed chin.
“The Doctor” came crashing down as if Superbon had taken an ax to the base of a tree, and it was lights out.
Referee Olivier Coste immediately waved off the fight as Superbon ran around the perimeter of the Circle pumping his fist in celebration of his earth-shattering achievement.
It was a pivotal moment in history – not just for Superbon but for the entire sport of kickboxing. The Thai instantly catapulted his name to a place where only a few other strikers have occupied, and he proved that a living legend was beatable.
Read more: Ok Rae Yoon Named ONE’s 2021 Male MMA Fighter Of The Year
