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Former flyweight kickboxing world title challenger Takeru Segawa is back to full health and ready to resume his ONE Championship career.
As confirmed in a recent press conference in Tokyo, the Japanese striking savant will return at ONE Friday Fights 81 on September 7 to face Black Panther in a three-round flyweight kickboxing tilt at 'The Mecca of Muay Thai' Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
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It is no surprise that Takeru's sophomore appearance in the world's largest martial arts organization has generated a lot of buzz.
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While 'The Natural Born Crusher' may have fallen short in his bid to dethrone flyweight kickboxing kingpin Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 165 last January, he won the hearts of many with his courage and determination to go the distance with one of the pound-for-pound best in the world.
Takeru is certainly itching to get his first dub in the home of martial arts. The Team Vasilius Star will look to use his signature lightning-fast combos and fan-friendly style to get the job done.
However, the streaking Black Panther won't make things easy for him. The 24-year-old Thai bounced back from a horror promotional debut to win to score three straight victories.
The Team Mehdi Zatout affiliate is coming off a ballistic head-kick KO win over Ali Saldoev last July.
ONE Friday Fights 81 will air live in Asian Primetime via watch.onefc.com. Check your local listings for availability in your region.
Takeru could set up date with Rodtang if he beats Black Panther
The injury bug delayed the long-awaited Takeru versus Rodtang Jitmuangnon showdown, but it could still happen somewhere down the line.
Both parties have been quite vocal about their desire to fight one another. If Takeru gets his hand raised against Black Panther, in impressive fashion no less, a date with 'The Iron Man' could very well be within grasp.
As for Rodtang, he'll first defend his flyweight Muay Thai world title against Jacob Smith at ONE 169: Atlanta on November 8. Tickets for that stacked card are available via Ticketmaster.
