“If I'm honest” - Jonathan Haggerty sees Denis Puric pulling off upset over Takeru Segawa at ONE 173

Reigning ONE bantamweight kickboxing world champion Jonathan Haggerty of the United Kingdom has sided with Denis Puric in his pivotal match-up with Takeru Segawa.

At ONE 173: Superbon vs Noiri, ‘The Bosnian Menace’ will look to vanquish ‘Natural Born Krusher’ in front of his hometown fans at Tokyo's Ariake Arena.

'The General' will also compete on the same Nov. 16 card, challenging Nabil Anane for the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world championship.

Asked what he thinks about this flyweight kickboxing bout, Haggerty said people shouldn’t be quick to count out the battle-hardened Puric.

"Yeah, that's it. It's up to them. I've done my part. I've got the belt. So, it just depends on how they get on. But I do believe there's going to be an upset. Puric vs. Takeru — I think Denis wins that one if I'm honest," the British striker told the South China Morning Post [SCMP].

Takeru will be desperate for redemption after suffering a devastating 80-second knockout loss to Rodtang Jitmuangnon at Saitama Super Arena last March.

The Japanese superstar will be gunning for a statement finish to earn his vindication. But for Haggerty, ‘The Bosnian Menace’ will be a tough nut to crack and add to Takeru’s woes.

Watch Haggerty's full SCMP interview:

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Jonathan Haggerty picks the winner of Marat Grigorian vs. Rukiya Anpo

'The General' Jonathan Haggerty also gave his two cents on another pivotal striking battle at ONE 173.

In a featherweight kickboxing clash, Armenian legend Marat Grigorian will meet ONE newcomer Rukiya Anpo.

The reigning ONE bantamweight kickboxing world champion made his prediction to SCMP:

"Marat is a beast. I really like his style. I like it the way he is. I believe he beats him for sure. I say for sure — I just believe he beats him."

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda and ONE Championship for the latest ONE 173 updates.