Takeru Segawa shares take on having to adapt to abrupt opponent switch-up: “It changes all the preparations”
Japanese kickboxing icon and former ONE world title challenger 'The Natural Born Crusher' Takeru Segawa is getting ready to make his highly anticipated return to the ONE Championship ring next weekend.
The 33-year-old, however, laments the quick change-up in opponent, as he had to make some very drastic adjustments to training camp to ensure success.
Takeru was originally scheduled to face Black Panther, but when the latter had to pull out of the contest due to injury, talented Burmese striker Thant Zin was forced to step in on short notice.
Black Panther and Thant Zin are two very different fighters, and Takeru knows this. That's why he and his camp have had to adjust accordingly, which came with challenges.
Speaking to ONE Championship in a recent interview, Takeru talked about his return to the ring after a heartbreaking promotional debut earlier this year.
'The Natural Born Crusher' said:
"Of course, it has an impact when the opponent changes a month before the fight, as it changes all the preparations and strategies."
Takeru joined the world's largest martial arts organization in Jan. 2024, debuting at ONE 165 against none other than two-division, two-sport world champion Superlek Kiatmoo9.
The Team Vasileus product fought valiantly but ultimately ended up losing via unanimous decision after five grueling rounds. Now, he's ready to avenge that loss and make his march back into world title contention.
Takeru Segawa returns to face Myanmar's Thant Zin at ONE Friday Fights 81
Japanese megastar 'The Natural Born Crusher' Takeru Segawa will make his way back to the ONE Championship ring when he takes on Myanmar's Thant Zin at ONE Friday Fights 81: Superbon vs. Nattawut.
The event broadcasts from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, Sept. 27.
Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live via global pay-per-view on watch.onefc.com. Visit the official ONE Championship website for more information on how you can watch from your location.
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event as it happens.