Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong is relishing the task that awaits him at ONE 167: Tawanchai v Nattawut II this weekend.
The "Killer Kid" faces Japanese superstar Masaaki Noiri at the Impact Arena on Saturday in a featherweight kickboxing contest that has genuine world title implications.
Noiri signed with ONE earlier this year after a decorated run in his homeland that yielded K-1 championships in two divisions.
The 31-year-old's arrival instantly piqued the interest of Sitthichai, who can't wait to battle on one of the biggest cards of 2024.
"When I heard the news that Masaaki Noiri had signed with ONE, I learned that he was a Japanese superstar like Takeru. It made me feel excited. Even though I didn't know him very well, I knew his skill level would be high," Sitthichai said.
"This is my first time fighting at the Impact Arena. And my opponent is a Japanese superstar. I cannot describe my joy at being able to fight in such a huge global event. It makes me feel like the organisation still values me and I am still needed by them."
Sitthichai has gone 2-2 since his ONE featherweight kickboxing world grand prix final defeat to Chingiz Allazov in 2022.
The 32-year-old routinely faces the cream of the divisional crop, however, and he remains the No.3 ranked contender in the featherweight kickboxing division.
A win over a big-name such as Noiri could be the catalyst for another run at world title glory.
"This fight is very important to me. I need to bounce back to the winner's side because I want to become one of the best fighters in the world again," he said.
"This is a great opportunity because he is a very famous fighter. If I beat him, I believe I will definitely be able to get redemption and regain my confidence."
Sitthichai is no stranger to elite opposition.
The Sitsongpeenong Muay Thai Camp representative has faced nothing but stars in his four-year ONE tenure so far, including world champions Superbon, Tawanchai PK Saenchai, and Allazov.
He holds Noiri in the same regard as his former foes, but he insists that he also belongs among the very best kickboxers on the planet.
"Masaaki is one of the best kickboxers in the world. His style is pure kickboxing. His strengths are his punches and kicks. He has a dangerous high kick. He is good both offensively and defensively. This is definitely not an easy fight for me -- but I'm a legend too," he said.
"His weakness is that he doesn't like to defend himself much. I will bring some of my heavy weapons to use with him in the ring."
