"Some of the best boxing" - Fans show their love for Takeru Segawa ahead of return to action against Black Panther in Bangkok

Eight months after his ONE Championship debut, Takeru Segawa will make his much-awaited comeback on Sept. 27 at ONE Friday Fights 81, where he takes on Thai slugger Black Panther in a flyweight kickboxing match. The two will light up the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Recently, the promotion posted a video clip of Takeru's sparring sessions at Boxing Works in California. They published it on Instagram and in the caption, wrote:

"Just another day at work! 👊 Can Takeru secure the W against Black Panther on September 27 at ONE Friday Fights 81? 👊 @k1takeru"

In the video, 'The Natural Born Crusher' was seen punishing his sparring mates with powerful combinations of punches and backing them onto the ropes. This strong showing from the former three-division K-1 champion has caught the attention of fans.

Users @thr9shrr, @predwards89, @kritbadblood, @inu3123, and @seitaro9 praised him with positive messages, as they commented:

"He has some of the best boxing in Muay Thai/kickboxing but needs to train the other necessities more."

"Takeru has some VICIOUS live strikers! That and his toughness really impressed me in his fight against Superlek"

"Hard sparring for the champ!!"

"Takeru really fights in a way that could kill your life, doesn't he?"

"Heavy punch! If you hit it, it will definitely work! Good luck, Takeru."

Screenshot of fans' comments

Takeru Segawa siding with Superlek Kiatmoo9 for his megafight with Jonathan Haggerty at ONE 168: Denver

The 33-year-old Japanese superstar recently shared with the South China Morning Post that he is siding with Superlek Kiatmoo9 for his upcoming ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title match with Jonathan Haggerty at ONE 168: Denver on Sept. 6 at the Ball Arena.

According to him, he wants a rematch with 'The Kicking Machine,' which is why he roots for him against 'The General.' He said:

"They're both strong, so I'm not sure who wins. But I want a rematch with Superlek, so I don't want to him to lose."

ONE Friday Fights 81 will air live on pay-per-view at watch.onefc.com.

Tickets for ONE 168 are available at Ticketmaster.