TLDR
- Takeru Segawa defeated Denis Puric in the second round at ONE 173 in Tokyo, scoring four knockdowns
- The win marks Takeru’s first victory in Japan under ONE Championship after two consecutive losses
- Takeru had considered retirement after losing to Superlek and Rodtang, but couldn’t end his career on those defeats
- The Japanese star changed his training approach specifically for ONE Championship rules and returned to his “old self”
- Takeru wants a rematch with Rodtang Jitmuangnon, with ONE 175 on April 28 being discussed as a potential date
Japanese kickboxing legend Takeru Segawa earned a crucial victory at ONE 173 on Saturday, November 16, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo. The 34-year-old stopped Denis Puric in the second round after scoring four knockdowns throughout the fight.
The win carried extra meaning for Takeru. It marked his first victory in his homeland under the ONE Championship banner after suffering two consecutive losses on Japanese soil.
Takeru entered the event at a career crossroads. He had lost to Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 165 in January 2024. He then suffered an 80-second knockout loss to Rodtang Jitmuangnon at ONE 172 in March.
Both defeats happened in Japan. The losses intensified pressure on the former three-division K-1 Champion and sparked retirement discussions.
Takeru admitted he had set personal standards about his career. He had always told himself he would retire after two losses.
After the Rodtang defeat, he had technically met that threshold. But he couldn’t bring himself to end his career on those performances.
“I had always told myself that if I lost twice, I would retire,” Takeru said. “And in ONE Championship, after the last fight against Rodtang, I ended up losing twice, but I just couldn’t bring myself to end it there.”
Takeru returns to the winning circle. The former K-1 champion knocked Denis Purić down four times and stopped him in the second round, as he's eyeing another fight with Rodtang.#ONE173 pic.twitter.com/5iEzFRq6uQ
— Beyond Kickboxing (@Beyond_Kick) November 16, 2025
He described the fight against Puric as a must-win situation. The victory delivered the result he needed to continue his career.
Training Changes Lead to Winning Performance
Takeru made major adjustments before the Puric fight. He reviewed his recent performances and identified areas needing improvement.
The Japanese star changed his training style specifically for ONE Championship rules. The modifications proved effective in his bonus-winning performance.
“I really switched up my training for this camp,” Takeru explained. “I looked at my old fight and I changed my style to a really specific style tailored to ONE Championship.”
He felt the adjustments helped him return to his previous form. His speed, shot selection, and pressure that made him famous in K-1 were on full display against Puric.
Takeru earned his reputation through a near-decade run of success in K-1. As a three-division K-1 Champion, he became one of Japan’s biggest striking superstars.
The transition to ONE Championship had proven challenging. The different rules and elite competition level required adaptation.
His fight against Rodtang at ONE 172 came while dealing with rib injuries in camp. The quick stoppage left him wanting another opportunity to prove himself.
Rodtang Rematch and Retirement Timeline
Takeru made clear what he wants next. A rematch with Rodtang Jitmuangnon remains his primary goal.
The two fighters had a face-off inside the Circle on Sunday. They later expressed interest in a rematch through social media exchanges following the event.
ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong mentioned April 28 as a potential date for ONE 175. Takeru responded positively when asked about the timeline.
“I just need to check my physical condition, check my body after this, but I think that date works for me,” Takeru said. He wants to ensure he’s healthy before committing to another fight.
Takeru clarified that retirement talk wasn’t about physical decline. He feels he can maintain himself at peak performance level.
“The talk about retirement, it wasn’t really because I feel that my body is breaking or getting weaker,” he said. “I feel that currently, I can keep myself at the strongest and best Takeru that there ever was.”
However, he acknowledged that his window for maintaining peak performance is shortening. The sense of urgency adds meaning to a potential Rodtang rematch.
One reason Takeru joined ONE Championship was to test himself against the world’s greatest strikers. Rodtang was always high on that list of desired opponents.
While no bout has been officially announced, the public acknowledgment from both fighters has fueled fan discussion. The rematch could serve as an appropriate final chapter for Takeru’s career if he chooses to retire afterward.
