- Takeru Segawa was set for a flyweight kickboxing superfight against Rodtang Jitmuangnon for his ONE Championship debut. However, an injury pushed the Thai star out of the match. Instead, Takeru was granted an even bigger opportunity for his ONE 165 main event.
Takeru Eyes Best in the World Status ahead of Superlek Fight
Superlek Kiatmoo9 stepped up. And he put his ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Championship on the line. The debuting Japanese superstar will have a chance to assume the division’s throne in his first match with the organization. It made the decision to keep marching forward toward ONE 165 easy for “The Natural Born Crusher.”
“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,” Takeru told ONE.
Superlek has been on a roll, including defeating Rodtang in his last bout. Knowing how skilled the Thai striker is, Takeru is leaving no stone unturned during training. He is treating this opportunity like his last, and he plans to give the fans inside Ariake Arena a special treat.
“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,” the Japanese star stated.
The main event match is not just a chance to wear gold. The match means even more to Takeru than that. Because of the global roster of talent and Superlek’s stature, he feels a win at ONE 165 will leave no doubt that he is the world’s best flyweight.
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“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 exclaimed.
Since the shift in opponents, assessing Superlek’s tactics has been a critical part of the game plan. It has allowed the 32-year-old to see how this battle will be a testament to the two star’s remarkable styles. With championship rounds in play, Takeru wants to put an emphatic end to one of 2024’s biggest events and walk out as the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion.
“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.”
ONE 165 airs live from Tokyo, Japan, on Sunday, January 28th. The action begins at 3 a.m. EST/12 a.m. PST. The event is available via global pay-per-view at watch.onefc.com for $39.99.
