“I can see myself in them” - Denis Puric on guiding the next generation of martial artists as a coach

Denis Puric | Photo credit: ONE Championship
Denis Puric | Photo credit: ONE Championship

'The Bosnian Menace' Denis Puric once dreamt of becoming a professional fighter.

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He sees the same drive in his young students at Soi Dogs MMA & Fitness, and he’s happy to guide them on their journeys.

Puric is deep in preparation for his flyweight kickboxing showdown with Takeru Segawa at ONE 173 on November 16 inside Tokyo’s Ariake Arena.

While his full focus is on training camp, the 40-year-old still manages to build Canada's next generation of striking superstars.

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According to Puric, teaching and imparting his knowledge is his way of giving back to the sport that gave him everything he has.

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‘The Bosnian Menace’ told ONE Championship:

"I love the fact of how much they love it. You get to do something you love, and these kids get to grow with that. I can see myself in them because that's what happened with me. I fell in love with martial arts at a young age, and I'm still doing it today, so I get to relive these moments through [teaching] kids."
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Meanwhile, Puric sees coaching as the most likely route as he enters the twilight of his distinguished career.

Still, ‘The Bosnian Menace’ wants to prove he still has a ton of fight left in him against ‘The Natural Born Krusher’ at ONE 173.


Denis Puric says coaching kids give him a great deal of satisfaction

Beneath Denis Puric's rugged exterior is a loving mentor with a soft spot for his students.

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'The Bosnian Menace' doesn't treat his coaching stint as a chore, but rather a great privilege he looks forward to every day.

He told ONE:

"I love the kids, man. Kids are my favorite. My kids are good. They listen to me. I got them all. It's like an army. They're like soldiers. They listen well, they're cute as hell, it's just nice to watch them grow - watch them grow as a human, and watch them grow as a fighter, and the development, and just every week, how they improve. I just love that."

Check back with Sportskeeda and ONE Championship for ONE 173 updates.

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Edited by Saiyed Adeem Karim
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