Takeru Segawa is set to debut in ONE Championship this weekend, and he wants to make his promotional bow count. 

On Sunday, January 28, “The Natural Born Crusher” will challenge Superlek Kiatmoo9 for the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Championship in the main event of ONE 165 inside the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

Takeru Segawa will look to start his career with a win at ONE 165 

Originally slated to face flyweight Muay Thai king Rodtang Jitmuangnon in a kickboxing bout, Takeru was left without an opponent after “The Iron Man” suffered an injury during training that prevented him from competing. 

Fortunately, Superlek was also dealt with the same fate after his scheduled challenger at ONE Fight Night 18, Elias Mahmoudi, was sidelined for the same reason. 

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It made sense to pit the two superstars together as a result, and their upcoming battle is arguably bigger than Takeru’s initial offering, considering it now has gold on the line.

Speaking to ONE, the Japanese striking megastar shared his thoughts on his foe and broke down what he expects from him when they meet in the ring. 

“He has been fighting in Muay Thai for a long time [before kickboxing], possessing Muay Thai techniques and strong kicks. In terms of the match content, I believe it will be a battle between my punches and Superlek’s kicks,” he said. 

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“Since this match has five rounds, it may become a match where one of us falls. I absolutely want to KO Superlek and win the belt.” 

Who will win the battle when two superstars take center stage?

Superlek captured the coveted flyweight kickboxing strap at ONE Fight Night 6 last January by dismantling Spanish striker Daniel Puertas in a five-round slugfest. 

He is currently riding an eight-fight win streak in ONE Championship’s Muay Thai and kickboxing ranks, and he truly cemented his name among the planet’s elite with his latest win – a unanimous decision victory over Rodtang at ONE Friday Fights 43 in September.

Takeru believes that his new home has the top martial artists in the world, and he is embracing the opportunity to take on an athlete of the caliber of Superlek in his very first fight.

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“I consider ONE the best in the world, so by defeating their champion, I will prove that I am the strongest in the world. I will definitely win,” he said. 

All the action from ONE 165 will be broadcast on pay-per-view on watch.onefc.com this Sunday.