“The impact has completely changed” - Takeru links up with former Olympic boxer Katsuaki Susa to improve his boxing
Takeru Segawa arguably has the best pair of hands in the kickboxing realm, but he knows he can get even better.
The Japanese kickboxing icon shared on Instagram that he recently linked up with former Olympic boxer Katsuaki Susa while preparing for his comeback from injury.
Takeru released a video of his training session with Susa at his home gym of Team Vasileus in Tokyo.
He wrote:
"I started having Susa-san look at my punches. The impact has completely changed. I will incorporate it into myself so that I can use it in my comeback match. Thank you always!"
Susa fought in the flyweight division and represented Japan in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
He's since transitioned to coaching and previously helped train Takuma Inoue, the younger brother of Naoya Inoue, in 2023.
Naoya, the reigning undisputed super bantamweight world champion, also sought the guidance of Susa when he competed in the amateur circuit.
As for Takeru, the number two flyweight kickboxing contender seemed to have recovered from the injured leg he suffered in his ONE Championship debut.
'The Natural Born Crusher' suffered multiple muscle tears in his left leg when he challenged Superlek Kiatmoo9 for the ONE flyweight kickboxing world title at ONE 165 this past January.
Despite his inspiring effort, including a near-finish in the third round, Takeru fell short in his world title bid against Superlek.
Superlek gives props to Takeru Segawa after ONE 165
Superlek Kiatmoo9 knew he had to weather a storm when he faced off against Takeru Segawa in his last world title defense at ONE 165 in Tokyo.
Although he didn't leave Ariake Arena with a knockout win, Superlek battered Takeru's left leg to such an extent that it looked like a nasty shade of blue and purple.
Superlek, in an interview with ONE Championship, said he was impressed with Takeru's resilience and gave props to his Japanese rival.
"It looks like it burns. I was very surprised he was still standing at the end. Because every kick I threw, he didn't defend any of them. Some may be wondering, 'Why was Takeru not defending himself?', but don't forget Takeru's lead leg is his left leg. He has to step in to punch me. He can't protect himself whenever he steps in. He sacrificed his defense to attack me."