Tenshin Nasukawa is preparing for his next boxing bout later in January, but that hasn’t stopped him from keeping close tabs on the kickboxing world. Specifically, he is following his fellow countryman, Takeru Segawa. After a recent press conference for his match, the talented striker talked about Takeru’s upcoming ONE Championship debut on Sunday, January 28, at ONE 165 (h/t Tokyo Sports).
Originally slated to face Rodtang Jitmuangnon in a flyweight superfight, the Japanese superstar will now get a chance for gold. Rodtang bowed out of the contest due to injury, and ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 stepped up. In his debut, Takeru has a chance to wear gold and lay claim to being the best in the world.
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Nasukawa believes his compatriot can be the new face of the sport worldwide. ONE will offer up a global platform for him to try and become just that. The massive main event title tilt pits two of the pound-for-pound best against one another.
“Now that I am no longer in kickboxing, he is the icon of kickboxing now. As a representative of kickboxing, I don’t want him to lose. When you think of kickboxing, you think of Takeru now. So, I hope he proudly showcases the essence of kickboxing and carries that pride firmly,” Nasukawa stated.
Superlek may be an even bigger challenge to the Japanese star than Rodtang. Already carrying the title into the bout, Superlek is coming off a win against “The Iron Man” and has been on a tremendous 10-bout winning streak. “The Kicking Machine” is operating on a different level.
The opponent shift should spark an incredible battle of wills inside the ring. Speed, technique, and power will all be displayed in this matchup. Nasukawa is going to be another fan keeping close tabs on one of 2024’s premier bouts.
ONE 165 airs live on global pay-per-view on Sunday, January 28. The action emanates from the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. Stay tuned for more announcements surrounding ONE 165.
