Takeru vs Thant Zin at ONE Friday Fights 81: Why you should tune in

LockerRoom Team

26 Sep 2024

As anticipation builds for the showdown between Takeru Segawa and Thant Zin at ONE Friday Fights 81 on September 27, the two fighters are preparing to bring their best to the legendary Lumpinee Stadium. With Takeru aiming to showcase an evolved version of himself and Thant Zin driven by personal motivations, this matchup promises to deliver excitement and intensity.

Takeru, a renowned kickboxing champion, is coming off his first fight in ONE Championship against Superlek. “In my last fight, I learned about how to fight in ONE and how the rules go on,” he explained, emphasizing the valuable lessons he gained from that experience. He is determined to apply this newfound knowledge in the ring against Thant Zin. “This time, I’m going to show the fans the new and evolved Takeru,” he added confidently.

Thant Zin, a rising star from Myanmar, faces the challenge of adapting to traditional kickboxing rules for the first time. Despite having a background in lethwei, where headbutts and bare-knuckle strikes are allowed, he is undaunted by the prospect of facing a legend like Takeru. “I have never played under the rules of traditional kickboxing, but I am not afraid of Takeru,” Thant Zin asserted. His motivation runs deep; he aims to win not just for himself, but also to support those suffering from a recent flood disaster in Myanmar. “I want to help the people who suffer from the flood disaster,” he expressed passionately.

Both fighters have studied each other’s styles, recognizing the strengths they bring to the fight. Takeru acknowledges Thant Zin’s formidable striking power, stating, “I know he has very strong striking. One punch, one strike will be very strong.” He has developed strategies to counter this aggression, although he remains tight-lipped about the specifics, emphasizing his focus on executing his game plan.

Thant Zin respects Takeru's status as a world-class champion and admits he has no specific plan to counter his opponent’s prowess. “Takeru is a very good fighter, and he is a world-class number-one champion for kickboxing,” he noted. Instead, he intends to rely on the guidance of his brother and adapt as the fight unfolds.

As they prepare for their encounter, both fighters are also aware of the significance of competing at Lumpinee Stadium, a revered venue in Muay Thai and kickboxing. Takeru is particularly excited about this opportunity, stating, “I’ve always wanted to fight in Lumpinee, and this time I got that chance. It makes me very happy.”

For Thant Zin, the fight is not just about personal glory; it’s about legacy and inspiration. He looks up to Myanmar’s Aung La N Sang and aspires to achieve similar success. “I want to own two championships like Aung La N Sang,” he revealed, expressing his determination to help his family and support his brother’s medical needs through his success in the sport.

As fight night approaches, the stage is set for a thrilling battle between Takeru Segawa and Thant Zin. With their contrasting styles and compelling motivations, fans can expect an electrifying display of skill and heart as these two warriors clash in the ring.