Japanese superstar Takeru reveals Superlek's most underrated skill that caught him off guard
Takeru Segawa is set to return at ONE Friday Fights 81 in search of his first win under the ONE Championship banner.
The Japanese star was never going to fight his way up the rankings given what he has accomplished in his career. Instead, he joined the promotion and went right to the very highest level on his debut fight back at ONE 165.
With Rodtang Jitmuangnon unable to compete, 'The Iron Man' was replaced by ONE flyweight kickboxing world champion Superlek Kiatmoo9.
Together, 'The Kicking Machine' and 'The Natural Born Crusher' put on a classic main event that saw the champion retain his kickboxing title at the end of five rounds.
There's been a lot of talk about Superlek being arguably the best in the world in recent times and his offensive capabilities always leave fans stunned.
However, in a recent interview with ONE Championship, Takeru revealed that it was his movement and evasiveness that had caused him the most issues back in January:
"Of course, he has strong kicks, but I felt the typical Muay Thai fighter's skill in evasion and fighting. I've fought some evasive fighters before, but I was able to close in and fight without being evaded."
Takeru won't have the same issue at ONE Friday Fights 81
Takeru came in with the game plan of pressuring Superlek in order to let his hands go and take away some of his opponent's dangerous kicks.
Trapping him ended up being a difficult task but the same can't be said for his next matchup.
Lethwei fighter Thant Zin is likely going to welcome this forward pressure and meet it with his own which should create fireworks at Lumpinee Stadium.
Sept. 27 is lined up to be a classic night of action and the Japanese star is always guaranteed to put on a show.
ONE Friday Fights 81 will air live in Asian primetime via watch.onefc.com