Takeru Segawa “just a little bit more determined to win” two weeks into his training camp in preparation for Black Panther in Bangkok

Takeru Segawa is ready to burst through the proverbial wall ahead of his highly anticipated comeback.

The Japanese living legend returns to the ONE Championship ring when he faces Thai star Black Panther in a flyweight kickboxing matchup at ONE Friday Fights 81 on September 27 at the historic Lumpinee Stadium.

Although he has his home gym of Team Vasileus in Tokyo, Takeru has set up camp at Boxing Works in California to fully augment his preparation for the upcoming slugfest against Black Panther.

Takeru has been on a non-stop grind at the Lawndale facility, and he acknowledged the fatigue he experiences during camp.

Nevertheless, Takeru is laser-focused on taking his first ONE Championship win and showing Black Panther what it's like facing a kickboxer of his caliber.

Takeru Segawa posted on Instagram:

"Two weeks after the start of the U.S. training camp. My whole body is busted. I'm getting tired. I'm just a little bit more determined to win."

Takeru is arguably the greatest Japanese kickboxer of all time, with multiple world titles across different organizations.

'The Natural Born Crusher' is also the only person to capture three world titles in as many weight classes in K-1 Kickboxing.

After tearing through the competition in K-1, Takeru arrived at ONE Championship in early 2024 and immediately challenged Superlek Kiatmoo9 for the ONE flyweight kickboxing world title.

Superlek, however, gave Takeru a rude awakening and retained his world title via unanimous decision in the main event of ONE 165 in Tokyo.

ONE Friday Fights 81 is available live on pay-per-view at watch.onefc.com.

---

Superlek applauds Takeru Segawa's toughness after Tokyo classic

Takeru Segawa's world title challenge of Superlek Kiatmoo9 was, quite frankly, bittersweet for the Japanese superstar.

Despite a valiant effort, and a near-finish in the third round, Takeru eventually fell to Superlek's continuous forward pressure and lost via unanimous decision in front of his hometown fans at Ariake Arena.

Superlek, though, had nothing but respect for Takeru after their fight.

In an interview with ONE Championship, Superlek said:

"It looks like it burns. I was very surprised he was still standing at the end. Because every kick I threw, he didn't defend any of them. Some may be wondering, 'Why was Takeru not defending himself?' But don't forget Takeru's lead leg is his left leg. He has to step in to punch me. He can't protect himself whenever he steps in. He sacrificed his defense to attack me."