‘No Mercy’ – Numsurin Targets Massive Upset Of Nadaka To Become First Atomweight Muay Thai King At ONE 173
The Thai veteran gets his chance at the gold when he takes on Japanese star Nadaka on Sunday, November 16.
By Kriel Ibarrola
Oct 20, 2025, 17:44 UTC
Thai star Numsurin Chor Ketwina has spent his entire life proving doubters wrong. On Sunday, November 16, the 30-year-old will step into the Circle for a chance to defy the odds once again and to score the biggest win of his professional career.
Numsurin will meet 10-time Muay Thai World Champion Nadaka in a battle for the inaugural ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Championship at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri, live from Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
Standing between Numsurin and World Title glory is the Japanese star, who is one of the only non-Thai fighters in history to have held belts from Rajadamnern Stadium, Lumpinee Stadium, WBC, and WMC.
But while both men are counted among the elite in “the art of eight limbs” today, the way they began their careers could not be any more different. Nadaka was hailed as a prodigy from a young age, while Numsurin battled for years through obscurity.
When Numsurin found his way to ONE Friday Fights, however, the Tded99 representative turned a new leaf. He went a perfect 5-0, showcasing his explosive style and destructive power in the ring.
That streak earned him a showdown with established contender Songchainoi Kiatsongrit at ONE Friday Fights 122 this past August. The consensus was that the winner of this bout would go on to face Nadaka in a showdown for the gold.
Many expected Songchainoi to win and punch his ticket to a rematch with the Japanese star, but Numsurin had other plans.
The 30-year-old rewrote the script entirely, dropping his countryman with a counter left hook in round two to secure a closely contested majority decision win on the scorecards.
Reflecting on his path to reach this point, Numsurin told onefc.com:
“My journey in ONE goes slowly, and I’m not really well known. The previous fight that I [beat] Songchainoi has made me better known. I have always been an underdog, but I finally beat them all in the end.
“Some may think I was lucky with one punch. But I prepared myself a lot, especially the left hook. No one expected that I would beat Songchainoi. It was not that challenging, and I’m not intimidated.”
That upset win earned the Bangkok native a US$100,000 contract to compete in ONE’s main roster and opened the door to his shot at the gold.
But in order to realize his dream and actually take the belt home, Numsurin has to overcome an absolute monster in Nadaka. The Japanese star has dismantled every challenger in his path with lightning strikes and surgical precision.
Numsurin knows the stiff challenge ahead. Still, after meticulous preparation, he is certain he has cracked the code:
“His fighting style includes fast footwork and accurate weapons. Even though they’re not very powerful, they can [knock] you to the ground. His strengths include speed and accurate weapons. My strength would be my punches. I do have a plan to put him down. I’m working on my speed in order to cope with his speed.
“He is a very nice guy. Japanese people tend to be nice. I like him. But on the stage, there could be no mercy.”
Numsurin Seeks To Join Thailand’s Elite With Historic Victory
For Numsurin Chor Ketwina, winning the inaugural ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Title represents more than just another career milestone. It’s a chance to validate everything he’s sacrificed and fought for in his life.
Becoming a ONE World Champion would cement his legacy. But as the first to claim this belt, he would also be hailed as a trailblazer in the atomweight division.
Representing Thailand on the global stage means everything to the 30-year-old. For an unheralded gem, joining the nation’s World Champions would be the ultimate validation.
Numsurin said:
“I want to be a World Champion. It has been my dream for a long time. There is a newly opened opportunity for this weight [class]. That is something I yearn for.
“For the atomweight belt championship, it is such an honor for me to be a part of it. I am proud as a Thai person that they have opened up this opportunity, and I’m going to win it.”
Numsurin also has the chance to be the first man to end Nadaka’s insane 39-fight winning streak. Just this feat alone would transform the Thai star from overlooked veteran to full-blown icon overnight.
But despite the greatest of stakes, Numsurin has shown no sign of nerves. The unassuming striker says years of dismissal have sharpened his resolve.
On November 16, the perennial underdog is confident he will score one of the biggest upsets in Muay Thai history. He concluded:
“There’s no pressure for me because I am the big underdog. I am chill but deep down, I hope that I will get the belt. ONE’s Muay Thai belt is globally renowned. If I get it, I will be more famous. And if I get to beat someone who has never lost. I’ll try my best.”
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