Takeru Sees Rodtang Rematch Path Through Denis Puric At ONE 173

Japanese striking legend Takeru Segawa has made it clear that his ultimate goal remains unchanged despite his devastating first-round knockout loss to Rodtang Jitmuangnon at ONE 172 in March.

The 34-year-old former multi-division K-1 Champion will face another obstacle in his path back to the Thai superstar when he meets 40-year-old Denis Puric in a flyweight kickboxing clash at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on 16 November at Tokyo's Ariake Arena.

Takeru's motivation for continuing his ONE Championship journey centers entirely on redemption against the 28-year-old former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion.

"My biggest motivation is to get revenge on Rodtang. Signing with ONE was to fight Rodtang. I want to face him again in the best condition possible," the Team Vasileus representative said.

The Japanese megastar sees Puric as an ideal measuring stick for his readiness to challenge Rodtang again. The Bosnian-Canadian veteran pushed Rodtang to his limits in their 2024 kickboxing encounter, demonstrating the durability and skill that caught Takeru's attention.

"I feel like [Puric] is the perfect opponent for me. Denis is really strong physically. He has great power and also strong mental toughness. Watching his fight with Rodtang, I thought he was a complete fighter," Takeru explained.

Despite carrying a 44-5 striking record and his status as one of Japan's most decorated fighters, Takeru faced reality harshly when Rodtang knocked him out in the first round. That defeat only strengthened his resolve to return stronger.

Fighting on home soil at Ariake Arena provides the perfect stage for Takeru to rebuild momentum toward his ultimate goal. He enters confident in his physical and mental advantages.

"When it comes to mental strength and punching power, I believe I won't lose. In the end, I will win by KO in a striking exchange," the Japanese star predicted.

Victory over a fighter who challenged Rodtang would represent a significant step toward earning another shot at arguably the biggest name in Muay Thai today.