“I don’t want him to lose” - Takeru eyes rematch against Superlek after Thai megastar faces Jonathan Haggerty in Denver
Takeru Segawa doesn't have a prediction for the main event of ONE 168: Denver, but he does have a favorite on who he wants to win between Jonathan Haggerty and Superlek Kiatmoo9.
Haggerty, who holds two world titles in ONE Championship, will defend his ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title against Superlek, the ONE flyweight kickboxing world champion, on Sept. 6 at Ball Arena.
In an interview with the South China Morning Post, Takeru said he can't predict who will win between the two world champions in Denver.
He did, however, say that he will support Superlek in hopes of securing a rematch against the Thai superstar soon.
He said:
"They're both strong, so I'm not sure who wins. But I want a rematch with Superlek, so I don't want him to lose."
Haggerty, who also holds the ONE bantamweight kickboxing world title, will have his second defense of his Muay Thai throne against a man who already beat him outside of ONE Championship.
Superlek scored a win over Haggerty when they fought at Yokkao in 2018 in the United Kingdom.
'The Kicking Machine' also beat Takeru in the Japanese superstar's ONE Championship at ONE 165 in January this year.
Superlek retained his ONE flyweight kickboxing world title when he survived a mid-fight scare against Takeru for a unanimous decision win.
Tickets for ONE 168 are available at Ticketmaster.
Takeru gearing up for his return against Black Panther in Bangkok
While he's keeping a close watch on the ONE 168 headliner, Takeru has his own match to prepare for.
The three-division K-1 Kickboxing world champion will face Thai slugger Black Panther in a flyweight kickboxing match at ONE Friday Fights 81 on Sept. 27 at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium.
In an Instagram post, Takeru said he's itching to get back in action and show his class against Black Panther in Bangkok.
"Can’t wait to win. I spend every day thinking about it. I will definitely win on September 27th."
ONE Friday Fights 81 is available live on pay-per-view at watch.onefc.com.