“Power and speed have returned” - Japanese megastar Takeru says he’s as fast and powerful as ever following injury at ONE 165
Takeru Segawa seems to have regained his former power.
The Japanese kickboxing icon shared on Instagram that the power in his left leg is back to what it used to be after suffering multiple muscle tears in his ONE Championship debut.
Takeru put on a spirited world title challenge when he faced Superlek Kiatmoo9 for the ONE flyweight kickboxing world championship at ONE 165.
Despite his inspiring effort in front of his hometown fans at Tokyo's Ariake Arena, Takeru succumbed to Superlek's calculated approach and lost via unanimous decision.
Nevertheless, he seems to be in high spirits in preparation for his potential return to action.
He posted on Instagram:
"My left leg's kicking power and speed have returned."
Takeru is one of the most successful, if not the most successful, kickboxers in Japanese history and is the only fighter to have won world titles across three divisions in K-1.
His arrival at ONE Championship earlier this year sent shockwaves throughout the combat sports world, and Tokyo became the fitting site for his promotional debut.
Superlek, however, spoiled Takeru's debut plans and battered the Japanese megastar's left leg to oblivion.
Although Takeru had a crucial moment in the third where he nearly felled Superlek, the Thai superstar's constant assault proved more than enough for the unanimous decision win.
No official announcements have been made, but fans have already demanded a super fight between Takeru and ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon.
Superlek joins those calling for Takeru-Rodtang super fight
It's not just the fans who are clamoring for a fight between megastars Takeru Segawa and Rodtang Jitmuangnon.
Superlek Kiatmoo9 is the only man to beat both Takeru and Rodtang in ONE Championship, and he recently joined the throng of fans who've been clamoring for a super fight between the two.
He told Sportskeeda MMA:
"It'll be a very fun fight. If they fight wherever, I would be at that stadium. I think they have very similar styles, and it would be a really fun and exciting fight. I'd really love to see it."