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ONE interim featherweight kickboxing world champion Masaaki Noiri of Japan found a home at Team Vasileus. It’s not just a four-walled space where he hones his world-class striking skills.The gym has become his solace and safe space, while the company inside those walls is people he genuinely cares about.Noiri faces ONE featherweight kickboxing king Superbon in a world title unification bout at ONE 173 on Nov. 16 in Tokyo.But to get there, Noiri had to endure a horrid 0-2 start that tested his resolve. That said, his Team Vasileus stablemates had his back and gave him the confidence to bounce back.Sure enough, the 32-year-old showed the global audience what he’s capable of and shocked the world when he claimed the interim belt by knocking out Tawanchai PK Saenchai.Speaking to ONE Championship, Noiri said he couldn’t have done it without his teammates and coaches, whom he considers as extended family:"For the first time, I have felt the desire to give back to the team more than I've received. That's why I feel like I'm growing every day by coming to the gym. I just feel so at home and a sense of belonging here.” View this post on Instagram Instagram PostThe Japanese superstar continued:“Even when I don't have a fight coming up, I still want to go to the gym and chat with everyone. We have personal relationships, too. We're not just close at the gym. Here, everyone gets along great outside of training, too. So honestly, they're all people whom I respect as individuals."Masaaki Noiri says there should be only one champion in his divisionCapturing the interim featherweight crown was the highlight of Masaaki Noiri's career thus far, but that's not his main goal.For the proud Japanese warrior, there can only be one ruler of the ONE featherweight kickboxing ranks. That matter will be settled at ONE 173."I truly believe that this weight class should only have one champion. I think only one fighter should hold the belt," the 32-year-old told the promotion.Purchase the ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri PPV pass by following this link.
