"I've become stronger" - Takeru admits road to recovery after Superlek war was taxing but rewarding
Takeru Segawa is fired up to go guns blazing at ONE Friday Fights 81, but it was anything but a smooth journey for the Japanese kickboxing icon ahead of his sophomore appearance.
'The Natural Born Crusher' opened his ONE Championship campaign in a blockbuster ONE flyweight kickboxing world championship matchup against titleholder Superlek Kiatmoo9 this past January at ONE 165 in Tokyo, Japan.
Though he fought hard throughout a 15-minute duel, his unwavering determination left him with a badly damaged leg courtesy of 'The Kicking Machine's' trademark weapon.
Eight months since that defeat, which included a lengthy recovery process, Takeru feels like that chapter has made him a much better fighter heading into his showdown with Burmese star Thant Zin inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on September 27.
Speaking to the South China Morning Post, the 33-year-old shared:
"It took time to return, but I think I've become stronger because of that experience."
With another tough fight lined up for 'The Natural Born Crusher', he will need to be at his very best on fight night.
Thant Zin has looked unstoppable through his tenure on the global stage, picking up back-to-back knockouts against Jaising Sitnayokpunsak and Tai Sor Jor Piek Uthai.
The 19-year-old talent seems to be getting better with each passing fight, and he'll undoubtedly bring his A-game into this must-watch flyweigh kickboxing clash at ONE Friday Fights 81 next week.
Takeru certain he'll "definitely win" his next assignment at ONE Friday Fights 81
Takeru's confidence was echoed in a recent post on his Instagram profile (@k1takeru).
The Japanese star once again acknowledged that the taxing race to fitness has instilled more confidence in him, which should allow him to get his hand raised against the Burmese slugger on September 27.
The Team Vasileus star noted:
"There are less than two weeks until the game. I felt like my mind and body were worn bout before this match. Because I don't know how many more times I can feel it I'll take it one day at a time and get it done. I'll definitely win."
ONE Friday Fights 81 will be available via pay-per-view on watch.onefc.com.