Superlek Edges Past Takeru To Retain Kickboxing World Title In Thriller At ONE 165
“The Kicking Machine” Superlek Kiatmoo9 retained his ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title in an epic five-round main event against Takeru “The Natural Born Crusher” Segawa at ONE 165.
The reigning king had to overcome spells of danger from the debuting Japanese icon on January 28, but he ultimately produced a slick performance to earn the unanimous decision victory at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
Superlek came out with a clear plan in the opening frame. He rammed his jab into the former K-1 World Champion’s face before blasting his right low kick into the lead leg.
It was more of the same in round two, as the home favorite tried to find a home for his punches, but Superlek’s piston-like straights got there first. He continued to turn Takeru’s thigh into minced meat, which noticeably impacted the latter’s movement.
It was all going to plan for “The Kicking Machine” in the third until Takeru launched a furious volley of punches that had his man on shaky legs. Despite absorbing dozens of heavy shots, Superlek stayed on his feet – and even gave his foe a smile when the worst of the storm had passed.
This was Takeru’s chance to keep up the pressure, and the 32-year-old pressed forward with more confidence in round four, but Superlek found a second wind and returned to his jab-low kick combination to disrupt his charging opponent.
If both strikers were feeling the effects of a hard battle, they didn’t show it in the final round. Takeru launched forward with his right hand and body shots in search of a finish, while Superlek intercepted with his right knee and diligent jab-cross.
With all five rounds in the books, both men raised their hands in victory. However, Superlek’s consistent control of the distance and hurtful low kicks overcame Takeru’s shorter bursts of venom, and “The Kicking Machine” took the nod by unanimous decision.
Superlek improved his incredible professional record to 137-29 with his second ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title defense. Afterward, the 28-year-old stated that he’s open to a rematch with either Takeru or ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon in his next outing.
