“You’re the best” - Denis Puric meets Takeru backstage after exciting fight, offers to help him train for Rodtang

Japanese superstar Takeru Segawa stopped Denis Puric by TKO in their flyweight kickboxing clash last weekend in Japan. Following the explosive contest, 'The Bosnian Menace' was gracious in defeat, giving massive props to 'Natural Born Krusher'.

The venue was ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Nov. 16 at Tokyo's Ariake Arena. Takeru had his A-1 game in steadily tearing down Puric with powerful strikes that sent the Bosnian-Canadian fighter to the canvas four times, the last two in the second round, to take the TKO victory.

In the backstage following their exciting joust, the two met again, with Puric praising his conqueror for a solid performance while also offering his help to Takeru for his planned rematch against Rodtang Jitmuangnon.

Puric said:

"You're a warrior. You're the best. If you need help to beat Rodtang, I can help. You're very strong."

ONE Championship captured the moment on video and shared it on Instagram.

At ONE 173, Takeru was looking to redeem himself after being knocked out by Rodtang in his previous match in March. And that exactly was what he did, flustering his opponent with a thorough attack that sent Puric twice to the mat in the opening round alone.

Puric tried to put up a better fight in the second round but the hometown bet was not to be denied, steamrolling to two more knockdowns and forcing the stoppage at the 2:49 of the frame.

The victory also earned Takeru a $50,000 performance bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.

Replay of ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri is available on live.onefc.com.

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Takeru secures rematch commitment from Rodtang after TKO win at ONE 173

Takeru used ONE 173 as a platform to make a case for a rematch with tormentor Rodtang. He emphatically highlighted it with an impressive TKO win over Denis Puric and later secured a commitment from 'The Iron Man' to run it back with him.

After chalking up the TKO win, an emotional Takeru made an announcement that his next fight in ONE Championship, whenever that will be, is going to be his last in his illustrious career. He specifically called out Rodtang for one last showdown on the big stage.

His call did not fall on deaf ears as Rodtang, who was initially set to also compete at ONE 173 until he had to pull out after getting ill after the weigh-ins, was at the venue and agreed to the challenge.

There is no definite date yet on when the rematch will take place, but it could well happen in April when ONE Championship returns to Ariake Arena in Tokyo for ONE 175.