Takeru Segawa feels there’s just one thing left for him to do in legendary kickboxing career – win a ONE Championship kickboxing world title.
As one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, Takeru has already stated that this is his mission.
He’ll now get his shot when he takes on ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek “The Kicking Machine” Kiatmoo9. The battle between two of the world’s best headlines ONE 165 inside Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan on Sunday.
Strongest in the world
“I consider ONE to be the best in the world, so by defeating their champion, I want to prove that I am the strongest in the world. I will definitely win,” he said.
Takeru was supposed to have a dream match with ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon, but an injury forced the Thai superstar out of the fight.
As fate would have it, Superlek also didn't have an opponent for ONE Fight Night 18 after Elias Mahmoudi pulled out from their fight on that card.
Sure, he’s not getting Rodtang, but Takeru still has a high-profile bout in his ONE debut, for a World Title nonetheless.
“I have been preparing for months to face Rodtang, so there were feelings of frustration when he couldn't participate. However, considering that an exceptional opponent like Superlek was arranged and it's a world title match, I felt there was no reason to decline this offer,” he said.
Brimming with confidence
“Approaching each fight as if it could be my last, I have been training intensely. Even if this match marks the end of my career as a fighter, I believe I can still wear the belt proudly after the match, so I want to give it my all.”
When the opening bell rings, it will be a fight between Takeru’s traditional kickboxing and Superlek’s Muay Thai, and the Japanese man is confident that he has the necessary tools to overcome – and finish – the Thai star.
“He has been fighting in Muay Thai for a long time, possessing Muay Thai techniques and strong kicks,” he said.
“In terms of the match content, I believe it will be a battle between my punches and Superlek's kicks. Since this match has five rounds, it may become a match where one of us falls. I absolutely want to KO Superlek and win the belt.”
In the same night, Danny "The King" Kingad will also mark his return to the ONE Championship stage when he takes on Yuya Wakamatsu in a battle between two flyweight contenders.
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