On March 17, ONE Championship hosted a pre-fight press conference at Shinjuku Sumitomo Hall in Tokyo, Japan.
All fighters involved in the title matches participated in the press conference. Marat Grigorian also attended the event, but Kaito was absent due to feeling unwell. ONE Championship has not provided any further updates on his condition.
PRESS CONFERENCE
Takeru, you used to carry the banner as a K-1 world champion, but now you stand in the position of a challenger. On the other hand, Rodtang, you were once unknown in Japan, but you have since become a fighter representing ONE Championship. Your roles have changed significantly—how do you each feel about the journeys you've taken to reach this point?
Takeru: "I've fought in K-1 ever since my debut and won titles in three weight classes. Now, as an active fighter, I want to take on one final challenge in my martial arts career, and that challenge is with ONE. One of the reasons I wanted to take on that challenge is because Rodtang has been a long-standing champion and has brought excitement to the sport. I believe that if I can defeat a champion like him, I can earn the title of the world’s best. That’s why I chose ONE as the final stage of my career."
Rodtang: "I'm very happy to be able to take part in this fight. I’ve been watching Takeru for a long time — his fight with Tenshin, and many of his K-1 bouts as well. To be able to fight Takeru in my lifetime is a great honor and makes me truly happy. On March 23, as a Thai fighter and as a representative of ONE Championship, I believe I’ll be able to deliver an amazing fight."
Tawanchai, although you have expressed some caution about competing under kickboxing rules, how do you feel about facing Noiri in a kickboxing match?
Tawanchai: "There are some differences in the rules, but I’ve been preparing for it, so I don’t see any problems. I’ve studied Noiri carefully — he has powerful punches and strong low kicks. More importantly, Japanese fighters have an unshakable spirit and a strong will not to lose. That’s the most difficult part, but I’ll step into the fight just as I’ve prepared."
The fight you’ve been seeking is now in front of you — how do you feel about that, and how do you respond to the confidence shown by the champion?
Masaaki Noiri: "I'm excited and full of anticipation to get in the ring. I know Tawanchai is incredibly strong and practically a perfect fighter in Muay Thai, and I think everyone is also aware that he’s strong under kickboxing rules as well. I chose ONE because it gave me the opportunity to take on a fighter like him. Finally, I get to have the kind of fight I've been longing for."
How do you feel about having a title fight in Japan and your determination heading into the rematch?
Nabil: "I'm really happy because I love Japan. I’m also grateful for the opportunity to face Superlek again, and I believe it will be an exciting fight on March 23."
Superlek: "I'm happy to be able to fight in Japan. Since this fight will be under Muay Thai rules, I see it as an opportunity to showcase the art of Muay Thai. On March 23, I will show my true fighting style through Muay Thai rules."
What are your thoughts and determination heading into the title fight in Japan?
Jonathan Di Bella: "Kyokushin karate was my first martial art and it's from Japan. It's an honor to be fighting legend like Sam A in front of a beautiful crowd.
Sam-A: "I'm happy to be able to fight in Japan. Jonathan is a very strong and skillful fighter. But I feel that this fight is a mission that has been given to me. I've made up my mind to win this belt and bring it back to Thailand. I want to show that age doesn’t matter when it comes to winning — I want to prove my true strength."
What are your thoughts on the belt and the upcoming fight?
Phetjeeja: "This will be my first time fighting overseas, so I’m feeling a bit nervous about facing KANA. Even before the fight was arranged, I was very interested in her and had been watching her closely. She's a strong fighter with fast speed, quick footwork, and powerful punches. She's also a multiple time K-1 champion, and I find her style quite similar to mine, which makes me even more interested. Since it will be a fight between just the two of us on the 23rd, I believe it will be a great match. I'll give it everything I’ve prepared."
KANA: "I believe I’m the most complete and strongest champion, and right now, I’m the only one in the world in this weight class who can beat Phetjeeja. I want to make sure I take this opportunity in one shot and make it count."
What kind of performance do you expect to show against Kaito, and how do you view the Noiri vs. Tawanchai fight?
Marat Grigorian: "Kaito is a tough opponent. I think this’s a good chance for Kaito to prove what he has. And yes, I’ll do everything to make a good fight of course. I’m ready. I am sharp. I can't wait for this fight. For the fight between Noiri and Tawanchai, Tawanchai's doing great in Muay Thai. He's also good in kickboxing, so it’s very interesting. Let the best man win. I wish them both good luck. They are both strong fighters. So, I’m very excited about this fight."
