Di Bella, Noiri Claim Interim Kickboxing World Titles With Definitive Victories At ONE 172
The two ONE Interim Kickboxing World Title fights at ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang sent fans inside Super Saitama Arena and those watching from around the world into a frenzy on Sunday, March 23.
A Japanese superstar claimed 26-pounds of greatness over a previously unstoppable force from Thailand, while a former ONE World Champion took a giant step closer toward lineal gold.
To find out what went down at the iconic arena in Japan, read the recaps below or relive all the action via Watch.ONEFC.com.
Noiri Decimates Tawanchai To Claim ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Title
Masaaki Noiri sent fans inside Saitama Super Arena through the roof as he clinched the ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Title by stopping featherweight Muay Thai king Tawanchai PK Saenchai.
The Japanese star was on the back foot initially as Tawanchai let loose his trademark push kicks in rounds one and two. Noiri remained patient, though, studying his decorated foe over the six minutes of intense action.
The two-division K-1 Champion left his corner for the third round with a spring in his step, taking the fight to Tawanchai. He then shocked the world as he hit the Thai standout with a nasty short left hook to send him tumbling to the canvas.
Tawanchai answered the eight-count, but Noiri gave him no time to recover. He poured the pressure on to force the TKO stoppage at 1:55 of round three and capture 26-pounds of gold and a US$50,000 bonus.
With the victory, the 31-year-old moved his record to 51-13 and secured a unification bout with ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon.
Di Bella Outstrikes Sam-A To Earn ONE Interim Strawweight Kickboxing World Title
Former ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Di Bella punched his ticket to a second showdown with reigning king Prajanchai PK Saenchai after defeating Sam-A Gaiyanghadao to clinch the ONE Interim Strawweight Kickboxing World Title.
Di Bella was all gas and no brakes when the bout began. He utilized a lightning fast pace to attack Sam-A’s legs and nullify the veteran’s pace.
The wounds of war began to show on the Thai legend as Di Bella upped the pressure. He mixed up his attacks expertly to keep Sam-A guessing, blending plenty of combinations together.
Sam-A had bright moments, but he was unable to catch up to his younger foe as Di Bella went on to capture the unanimous decision with the statement-making performance.
With the win, the Canadian-Italian surged to 14-1 under kickboxing rules and now targets a pivotal rematch with Prajanchai.
