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ONE flyweight kickboxing world champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 fought in Japan early in his career and is happy to be competing there again but on a grander scale later this month.
‘The Kicking Machine’ headlines ONE 165 on January 28 at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo. He will be defending his world title against Japanese kickboxing superstar and ONE-debuting Takeru Segawa.
It will be his second defense of the world title he claimed in January last year.
During the press conference for ONE 165, Superlek shared his excitement to be fighting in Japan again, especially against an opponent the caliber of Takeru. The 28-year-old champion said:
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“Konnichiwa [hello] Japanese fans. I’m glad to be back in Japan and I’m so excited to fight against Takeru who is top-Japanese fighter.”
ONE 165 was originally set to be headlined between Takeru, 32, and ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon in a kickboxing super fight. Injury, however, forced ‘The Iron Man’ to withdraw from the contest.
Incidentally, Superlek defeated Rodtang in his last fight by unanimous decision in an epic catchweight Muay Thai clash in September.
WATCH: Superlek engages Takeru in intense staredown ahead of title clash
Superlek Kiatmoo9 may be stepping in as a replacement opponent for ONE-debuting Takeru Segawa but the intensity of the clash was undeniable when the two met during the press conference for ONE 165 in Japan.
During the staredown, the two protagonists did not bat an eyelash and shake hands, a prelude perhaps of what to expect when the Thai superstar defends the ONE flyweight kickboxing world title against the Japanese warrior in the headlining contest for the event happening at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo on January 28.
Superlek will be making the second defense of the world title he claimed in January last year. The contest is also his sixth match in the last 13 months.
For his part, Takeru is looking to make it a winning debut after signing with ONE last year. The three-division K-1 world champion is out to take his already successful combat sports career to an even higher plane now that he is in ONE Championship.
