“Time to start a real gym” - Japanese kickboxing icon Takeru Segawa ponders building a gym for non-professional fighters
Japanese kickboxing icon Takeru Segawa is considering opening a gym for non-professional fighters looking to train, get fit, and have a little fun in the process.
Making his promotional debut at ONE 165 in Tokyo, 'The Natural Born Crusher' suffered a crushing defeat at the hand — and legs — of 'The Kicking Machine' Superlek inside Ariake Arena. The 15-minute war left Takeru with an injured limb, but the former three-division K-1 champion looks to be near 100% and readying himself for a return to the Circle.
Recently, Takeru took to Instagram, questioning whether or not gym-goers would show up if he built a brand new training center for general members.
"Vasileus Gym is made for personal practice for matches. As the number of players has increased I think it's time to start a real gym! If we build a gym that includes general members, will everyone come?"
Takeru looks to solidify his legacy on ONE Championship's global stage
Before Takeru stepped onto martial arts' biggest global state in January, 'The Natural Born Crusher' established himself as one of the greatest strikers the sport of kickboxing has ever seen. Aside from being the only fighter in K-1 history to win three titles in three separate weight classes, Takeru is also a former ISKA world lightweight champion and previously captured the Krush featherweight title.
From September 2012 to March 2021, Takeru went undefeated, winning 35 straight fights while competing in his native Japan. Overall, he is 43-4 in his combat sports career with 25 of his victories coming by way of knockout.
No official announcements have been made regarding Takeru's sophomore appearance in the ONE Championship, but fight fans are holding out hope that his next contest will come against flyweight Muay Thai icon Rodtang Jitmuangnon.
Who do you want to see the Japanese kickboxing star square off with when he makes his highly anticipated return to the Circle?