"Couldn't bring myself to end it" - Takeru admits thoughts of retirement have long lingered even before Denis Puric win

Japanese kickboxing icon Takeru Segawa (pictured). [Image: ONE Championship]
Japanese kickboxing icon Takeru Segawa [Image courtesy: ONE Championship]

The weight of consecutive defeats nearly ended Takeru Segawa's legendary career before it could find redemption.

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The Japanese kickboxing icon, better known to fans as 'Natural Born Krusher', authored a devastating second-round TKO of Denis Puric at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, Nov. 16, inside Tokyo's Ariake Arena.

However, the 34-year-old former three-division K-1 champion revealed during the post-event press conference that retirement had been weighing heavily on his mind long before stepping into the Circle against 'The Bosnian Menace'.

"I had always told myself that if I lost twice, I would retire. 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 shared.
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"And I really came into this fight in a must-win situation, and I was able to get that win. And I really hope that this fight with Rodtang comes about."

The admission revealed just how much pressure 'Natural Born Krusher' carried into his bout with Puric.

After falling to Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 165 in January 2024 and then suffering an 80-second knockout loss to Rodtang Jitmuangnon at ONE 172 in March – both defeats occurring on Japanese soil – Takeru wondered whether his best days were behind him.

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However, he clearly fired on all cylinders against Puric on his way to a massive US$50,000 performance bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong inside the Japanese capital city.

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Rodtang and Takeru verbally agreed to a rematch during ONE 173 last week

Following Takeru's emotional victory, Rodtang entered the Circle to accept his challenge for a rematch, confirming what could be the biggest fight in kickboxing history.

Rodtang, who was forced to withdraw from his fight against Nong-O Hama for the vacant ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title, watched from Circle-side as 'Natural Born Krusher' picked up his second win on the global stage.

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According to ONE's official website, Rodtang's rematch with Nong-O for 26 pounds of gold will be rescheduled for a later date. But with the Takeru rematch gaining momentum, it appears that the Jitmuangnon Gym superstar will have to pick which of the two he'd like to take on first.

Who wins this hypothetical rematch between Rodtang and the Japanese kickboxing maestro? Let us know below!

Those who weren't able to catch ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri live can purchase the replay at live.onefc.com.

Follow One Championship News, Schedule & Results at Sportskeeda.

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Edited by Aziel Karthak
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