“Who’s next?” - Japanese kickboxing legend Takeru Segawa issues an open challenge for his return to action
Takeru Segawa is back and ready for whoever ONE Championship throws at him.
The Japanese kickboxing legend seems to have recovered from the harrowing injury he suffered in his promotional debut and told ONE Championship to put him against anyone they see fit.
Taking to Instagram, Takeru practically issued an open challenge to anyone in the flyweight kickboxing division.
Takeru Segawa wrote:
"Who's next? @onechampionship"
'The Natural Born Crusher' is one of the most successful, if not the most successful, Japanese kickboxers of his generation.
Takeru is the only fighter to become a three-division world champion under the K-1 Kickboxing banner and held the promotion's super bantamweight, featherweight, and super featherweight championships.
He added the ISKA K-1 and KGP K-1 lightweight world titles before finally making his ONE Championship debut earlier this year at ONE 165 in January.
Originally scheduled to face Rodtang Jitmuangnon in a kickboxing super fight, Takeru ultimately faced Superlek Kiatmoo9 after the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion pulled out due to injury.
Takeru, though, had a shot at gold when he challenged Superlek for the ONE flyweight kickboxing world championship at Ariake Arena in Tokyo.
Despite his spirited effort, including an inspiring sequence in the third round, Takeru fell short in his promotional debut and lost to Superlek via unanimous decision.
Takeru also suffered multiple muscle tears in his left leg forcing him to the sidelines for much of the year.
Nevertheless, the 32-year-old superstar is back and ready to restart his march to the world title.
Takeru Segawa reveals power and speed have returned to his left leg
Following months of recovery, Takeru Segawa looks to be in full form.
The Team Vasileus star revealed on Instagram that his left leg is back to its usual form after the punishment it received from Superlek at ONE 165.
Takeru wrote:
"My left leg's kicking power and speed have returned."
Takeru spent several weeks at Boxing Works in California to prepare for what could be his first match since January this year at ONE 165.