“Can’t wait to win” - Japanese superstar Takeru Segawa gears up for highly anticipated return against Black Panther in Bangkok
Takeru Segawa is determined to get back in the win column.
The Japanese kickboxing legend is neck-deep into his training camp in preparation for his highly anticipated return against Black Panther at ONE Friday Fights 81 on September 27 at the historic Lumpinee Stadium.
After recovering from the injuries he suffered in his ONE Championship debut, Takeru set up camp at Boxing Works in California ahead of his comeback fight in Bangkok.
Takeru has been sharing the progress of his California training camp, while regularly posting videos of his sparring and padwork sessions at coach Bryan Popejoy's facility.
Takeru's latest post featured him unleashing his trademark speed and even showing off that the power in his left leg has returned.
Takeru Segawa posted:
"Can’t wait to win. I spend every day thinking about it. I will definitely win on September 27th."
Takeru is arguably Japan's most successful kickboxer of all time, and he brought his pedigree to ONE Championship when he made his promotional debut this past January.
The three-division K-1 Kickboxing champion challenged Superlek Kiatmoo9 for the ONE flyweight kickboxing world title in the main event of ONE 165 in Tokyo.
In front of his hometown fans inside Ariake Arena, Takeru displayed unwavering spirit and even had a near-finish when he bombarded Superlek with a flurry of punches in the third.
Superlek, however, was far too dynamic during the fight and blasted Takeru's left leg with devastating kicks.
The Thai megastar eventually retained the ONE flyweight kickboxing throne, while Takeru suffered multiple muscle tears in his left leg.
ONE Friday Fights 81 is available live on pay-per-view at watch.onefc.com.
Takeru Segawa says he's still entering the peak of his fighting powers
Although he's already seen as one of the greatest kickboxers of all time, Takeru Segawa is adamant that his best years are still on the horizon.
Takeru, who recently celebrated his 33rd birthday, wrote on Instagram that he's still at the top of his game and ready to take Black Panther down in Bangkok.
"I became 33 years old! Thanks for many birthday wishes! Right now, it's the climax of my time as a martial artist. The fight on 27 Sep is the first. I will definitely win and survive. Please keep supporting me this year as well."