“It makes me motivated” - Takeru faces off with LA Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, enjoys fan adoration in LA
Takeru Segawa did all the possible work he could get when he stayed in California for a brief training camp, but he also spent some time exploring Los Angeles.
The Japanese superstar trained at Boxing Works for more than a month to prepare for his highly anticipated return against Thant Zin, and he took the opportunity to visit Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Takeru and Yamamoto even had a laidback face-off in the back tunnels of Dodger Stadium.
In a video he posted on Instagram, Takeru also snapped photographs with fans in Los Angeles.
Takeru said he was surprised that people still recognized him outside of his home nation of Japan and that he got a boost of motivation interacting with his supporters in the United States.
He said during his faceoff with Yamamoto:
"Is it okay? I feel sorry for him to do it with a straight face. I couldn't do a straight face at all."
Takeru added:
"It's so much bigger [looking at Dodger Stadium from the inside] and different from what I've imagined. I'm very happy to be recognized even when I'm in the US. I want to be an athlete that's well-known around the world. It makes me motivated to do even more."
Takeru has been out of action after he suffered multiple muscle tears in his left leg when he challenged Superlek Kiatmoo9 for the ONE flyweight kickboxing world championship at ONE 165 this January.
Nevertheless, the three-time K-1 Kickboxing world champion is back and will face Thant Zin on September 27 at the historic Lumpinee Stadium.
Takeru Segawa steels his resolve ahead of his matchup against Thant Zin
Takeru Segawa is no stranger to struggle and is ready to bounce back in the biggest way possible when he takes on Thant Zin in Bangkok.
'The Natural Born Crusher' will face the Burmese slugger in a flyweight kickboxing matchup in Bangkok, and Takeru is determined to put on a show in his return from injury.
Takeru wrote on Instagram:
"There are less than two weeks until the game. I felt like my mind and body were worn out 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."