‘I Will Give It My All’ – Takeru Looks To Crown Legendary Career With World Title Win Over Superlek
Kickboxing megastar Takeru “The Natural Born Crusher” Segawa is just days away from his highly anticipated promotional debut against dominant ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion “The Kicking Machine” Superlek Kiatmoo9.
This Sunday, January 28, the Japanese icon will aim to capture 26 pounds of gold and further cement his status as an all-time great in the main event of ONE 165. Adding to the drama, he’ll compete in front of a roaring home Tokyo crowd at the Ariake Arena.
Takeru’s signing marked one of the biggest free-agent additions in the history of ONE Championship.
He was originally slated to battle longtime ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangon in a super-fight at ONE 165, but an injury to the Thai forced a change of opponent.
Despite his initial disappointment, Takeru says he’s thrilled to face a decorated World Champion like Superlek – widely regarded as one of the planet’s top pound-for-pound strikers – and didn’t hesitate in accepting the new fight:
“I had 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.”
A historic three-division Kickboxing World Champion in his own right, Takeru has little left to accomplish in the sport. The only major accolade missing from his trophy case is the ONE Championship strap.
With that belt now within arm’s reach, the 32-year-old is more motivated than ever – and he could crown his storied career by securing the World Title.
Takeru said:
“I’m approaching each fight like 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 will give it my all.”
Above all, “The Natural Born Crusher” knows that ONE is home to the top strikers, and a World Title victory over Superlek would mark the ultimate prize in his career.
He added:
“I consider ONE the best in the world, so by defeating their champion, I will prove that I am the strongest in the world. I will definitely win.”
Takeru Breaks Down Key Dynamic In Matchup With Superlek
Takeru Segawa envisions a true clash of styles when he goes toe-to-toe with Thai superstar Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 165.
While “The Kicking Machine” has hardened his shins and developed his world-renowned kicking game across more than 150 professional fights, Takeru possesses a more boxing-centric style of striking.
Ultimately, with 15 potential minutes of intense combat ahead, “The Natural Born Crusher” says fans can expect a knockout on January 28:
“He has been fighting in Muay Thai for a long time [before kickboxing], possessing Muay Thai techniques and strong kicks. 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.”
