"How do I give the same damage back?" - Takeru had one thing on his mind after shocking flash knockdown versus Thant Zin
Japanese megastar Takeru Segawa's resolve was tested like never before when found himself on the canvas after eating a crushing power shot from Thant Zin.
Things looked grim early for 'The Natural Born Crusher' in his flyweight kickboxing encounter with his aggressive Burmese foe at ONE Friday Fights 81 last Sept. 27 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
After stalking Takeru who was on the back foot, Zin rocked him with a brutal left haymaker right on the chin that immediately floored the fan-favorite in round 1.
However, the veteran Takeru was completely aware of what happened and was hell-bent on returning the favor.
Speaking to Nick Atkin in his post-event interview, the 33-year-old admitted he felt a sense of urgency to come back from that shocking knockdown:
"It was just like a flash. It wasn’t too big of a damage. In my head, it’s just like, how do I give the same damage back to him?"
Takeru was able to regain his bearings and struck back by round 2. The Team Vasileus star got even using his patented front kick to the body that dropped Zin.
The former K1 multi-division champ ended things shortly with a rapid-fire of bullet punches for the incredible come-from-behind knockout win.
The replay of ONE Friday Fights 81 is available at watch.onefc.com for those who purchased the PPV
Watch Takeru's full interview with Nick Atkin:
Takeru's massive win sets him up for coveted match with Rodtang
Takeru Segawa came into ONE with one mission in mind, to set up a date with Rodtang Jitmuangnon.
Needless to say, the delay didn't dampen the fans' excitement for this guaranteed fireworks display. The feisty pair even figured in a heated face-to-face inside the Lumpinee ring shortly after Takeru got his hand raised.
If all goes well for Rodtang in his upcoming flyweight Muay Thai world title defense against Jacob Smith at ONE 169: Atlanta at State Farm Arena on Nov. 8, all signs point to that long-overdue match with Takeru coming up.