‘Worth Knocking Out’ — Takeru Eyes Explosive Finish Against Denis Puric At ONE 173
Japanese kickboxing icon Takeru “Natural Born Krusher” Segawa thrives in chaotic wars, and his next opponent, Denis “The Bosnian Menace” Puric, will not hesitate to give him one this coming Sunday.
The #2-ranked flyweight kickboxing contender will head to Tokyo’s Ariake Arena at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on November 16, where he will face the battle-tested Canadian-Bosnian veteran in an all-action flyweight kickboxing thriller.
Takeru’s distinguished career has been built on courage, resilience, and an unshakeable will to win. The former three-division K-1 Champion has demonstrated an unwillingness to take a backward step, and this relentless mentality has endeared him to fans worldwide.
But finding opponents who are willing to match that intensity has proven to be a tough ask. However, Puric appears to be ready to provide that challenge.
“The Bosnian Menace” stood toe-to-toe with former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon for three grueling rounds at ONE 167 last year. He never backed down from the Thai megastar’s endless assault and earned global respect despite a decision loss.
Now, Takeru will get his turn against the man who refuses to break. The Team Vasileus representative said:
“Well, I’d heard he wanted to fight me, and I guess he’s got confidence in himself against me. Personally, I’ve always thought he’s a fighter whom I match up against really well. He’s the type who comes out aggressively and wants to trade blows.
“He’s a really aggressive player. I think he’s the kind of [fighter] who can win in an impactful manner. He’s got explosive power.”
Puric’s explosive offensive style has forced many opponents to crumble under pressure. The 40-year-old’s tendency to detonate in violent bursts forces fighters into defensive shells, abandoning their strategies to survive his onslaught.
But Takeru sees aggression as an opportunity to set off fireworks. Where others may retreat from danger, the Japanese icon plans to meet it head-on with calculated precision:
“I can’t really say too much about that without revealing our strategy. But I think he has plenty of holes. My former K-1 compatriot, Koya Urabe, has fought him before. I have watched those matches to devise my strategies.
“I’m training expecting a full [three-round] fight, but I’ve devised a whole set of strategies for fighting him, too. I see weaknesses in his game, so I’m thinking it’d be great if I could use all three rounds to get the KO.”
Takeru understands Puric carries malicious intent into this highly anticipated contest, and will hunt for a thrilling finish to claim all the glory and accolades that are up for grabs, including his #2 spot in the flyweight kickboxing rankings.
But when two knockout artists chase the same outcome, only one will walk away with the victory — the other will be left in oblivion.
The Sagamihara native continued:
“I really think it’ll be a thrilling match. He seems to think he can KO me, but conversely, I think he’s the kind of fighter worth knocking out. If it comes down to an all-out slugfest, I’m absolutely confident that I can finish him. I think it’ll be an exciting fight.”
Takeru Says Team Vasileus Brothers Inspire Him To Keep Pushing
For Takeru Segawa, November 16 represents more than just another fight. It’s a chance to stand alongside his Team Vasileus brothers on ONE Championship’s biggest stage.
The 34-year-old was beaming with pride when stablemate Masaaki Noiri captured the ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Championship with a monumental comeback TKO win over Tawanchai PK Saenchai at ONE 172 this past March.
Noiri now headlines ONE 173 in a World Title unification battle against ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon.
Witnessing his training partner and close friend achieve glory has ignited something fierce in Takeru.
“Natural Born Krusher” said:
“My teammate Noiri, who’s around the same age as me and has been fighting alongside me since the K-1 days, reached the top of ONE. That’s been a huge inspiration too. It fuels the desire and urgency to get to where he is as soon as possible.”
Yuki Yoza completes Team Vasileus’ three-headed monster, and he will face “The Kicking Machine” Superlek in a bantamweight kickboxing clash that carries its own World Championship implications.
With all three teammates seeking statement victories on home soil, the pressure is immense. But for Takeru, the shared spotlight amplifies rather than intimidates.
“Natural Born Krusher” concluded:
“Having teammates to fight alongside is incredible — it’s so reassuring. And even though we’re teammates, I think we can push each other to improve, competing to see who puts on the most exciting match after we win together.
“It’s not just about winning; it’s also about who can deliver the most thrilling fight and secure a KO victory. That’s the kind of battle I envision.”
