“The left hook was very good” - Takeru praises Thant Zin’s skills after knockdown scare at ONE Friday Fights 81

Japanese kickboxing superstar and former ONE flyweight kickboxing world title challenger 'The Natural Born Crusher' Takeru Segawa was almost met with ruin in his second appearance inside the ONE Championship ring last week.

The No.2-ranked flyweight kickboxing contender met rising Burmese phenom Thant Zin at ONE Friday Fights 81: Superbon vs. Nattawut last Friday at Lumpinee Stadium, and Takeru had to overcome an early scare before storming back.

Thant Zin landed a beautiful lunging left hook, catching Takeru square on the chin in the first round, as he knocked down the Japanese star. For a moment, it appeared as though Zin was on the verge of scoring the upset of a lifetime.

However, Takeru regained his bearings and went on the attack in round two to score the knockout win.

Speaking to veteran reporter Nick Atkin backstage, Takeru gave props to his Burmese opponent.

He said:

"It was very fast. His punches were very fast, and also, the left hook was very good."

The 33-year-old added:

"It’s my happiness that finally, I could be a part of ONE fighters."

Needless to say, Takeru was impressive once again in his second outing in the world's largest martial arts organization, and only big fights are up next for 'The Natural Born Crusher'.

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What's next for Takeru Segawa in ONE Championship?

'The Natural Born Crusher' Takeru Segawa of Japan has expressed his desire for a rematch against reigning ONE flyweight kickboxing and bantamweight Muay Thai world champion 'The Kicking Machine' Superlek Kiatmoo9.

The two faced off in January, where Takeru lost via unanimous decision to the Thai icon in his ONE Championship debut.

But there's another fight Takeru still has on his mind. In fact, he says it's the reason he came to ONE Championship.

Takeru is looking for a big-time fight with ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion 'The Iron Man' Rodtang Jitmuangnon. The two met face-to-face at ONE Friday Fights 81 last week, and needless to say, fans were hyped.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding Takeru Segawa's next fight.