Takeru Promises Explosive Finish Against Denis Puric’s Relentless Aggression At ONE 173
Takeru Segawa sees opportunity where others see danger when Denis Puric brings his explosive offensive style into their flyweight kickboxing collision on November 16 at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri inside Tokyo’s Ariake Arena, where the Japanese icon plans using all three rounds to dismantle the Canadian-Bosnian veteran’s relentless forward pressure.
The matchup pairs contrasting approaches to fighting. Puric earned global respect standing toe-to-toe with Rodtang Jitmuangnon for three grueling rounds at ONE 167, never backing down from the Thai megastar’s endless assault despite absorbing punishment that would break lesser fighters. That willingness to trade blows regardless of consequences has forced many opponents into defensive shells.
Takeru thrives in exactly that chaos. The former three-division K-1 Champion’s distinguished career was built on courage and unwavering aggression, qualities that make Puric’s attacking style a perfect matchup rather than a threat requiring caution.
“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,” Takeru said. “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.”
The 34-year-old’s preparation has identified weaknesses beneath Puric’s explosive exterior. Studying footage of the 40-year-old’s previous battles — particularly against former K-1 compatriot Koya Urabe — revealed holes that Takeru believes create knockout opportunities across the full three rounds.
“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,” Takeru said. “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.”
The clash carries additional meaning beyond personal glory. Takeru fights alongside Team Vasileus brothers Masaaki Noiri, who headlines against Superbon in a featherweight kickboxing title unification bout, and Yuki Yoza, who faces Superlek in bantamweight action. That shared spotlight amplifies rather than intimidates.
Watching Noiri capture interim gold with his monumental comeback knockout of Tawanchai at ONE 172 in March ignited something fierce inside Takeru, creating urgency to reach the same championship heights his training partner achieved.
“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,” Takeru said. “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.”
The confidence radiating from Takeru isn’t bravado but calculated assessment. When two knockout artists chase the same explosive finish, only preparation and precision determine who survives.
“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 said.
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