- Takeru and Puric will go toe-to-toe when One Championship returns to Tokyo’s Ariake Arena on November 16, 2025
- It will be a three-round flyweight kickboxing clash at ONE 173: Superbon vs Noiri
- Before the two step inside the Circle, they sound off on what is a highly anticipated showdown
Japanese superstar Takeru “Natural Born Krusher” Segawa and Bosnian-Canadian powerhouse Denis “The Bosnian Menace” Puric are ready to go to battle in their three-round flyweight kickboxing clash at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri.
Known for their explosive striking and technical expertise, Takeru and Puric will go toe-to-toe when the world’s largest martial arts organization returns to Tokyo’s state-of-the-art Ariake Arena on Sunday, November 16.
For #2-ranked contender Takeru, the goal is not only to defend home soil in front of his thousands of Japanese fans, but also to reignite his quest for the elusive ONE World Title and earn the rematch he craves with Thai rival Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon.
Puric, on the other hand, sees the fight as a golden opportunity to take out another pound-for-pound great and etch his name into kickboxing’s proud history.
Before the two step inside the Circle to trade leather, they sound off on what is a highly anticipated showdown between elite strikers.
Takeru Segawa arrived in ONE Championship as a decorated multi-division K-1 Champion, determined to prove he belonged among the best fighters on the planet.
Since then, he has faced two of the promotion’s pound-for-pound elites in Superlek “The Kicking Machine” Kiatmoo9 and Rodtang, falling short in both attempts at glory on home soil.
But instead of those setbacks dimming his competitive fire, they’ve only fueled his hunger to get back in the ring to continue his legendary career, and perhaps claim a second crack at “The Iron Man.”
Against Puric, Takeru knows he’ll need to deliver a spectacular performance to strengthen that case.
He said:
“Denis Puric is an incredibly aggressive fighter who loves to trade shots, so I believe it’s going to be an all-out war in the ring.”
“For me, this fight is also about my goal to face Rodtang again. Puric has already fought Rodtang once and took him to a decision. If I can knock him out, I think it will be a strong statement that leads to that rematch. That’s why this is a fight I absolutely cannot afford to lose.”
Takeru’s place among the all-time greats has already been solidified, but the Japanese veteran understands his story won’t feel complete without capturing ONE gold.
Last year, he showed his grit by rallying back from a knockdown to stop Burmese phenom Thant Zin at ONE Friday Fights 81, reminding fans of his indomitable fighting spirit.
Now, with the chance to perform in front of his countrymen again at Ariake Arena, the 34-year-old views November 16 as a night that could define the twilight of his career.
The Japanese megastar said:
“It’s a hugely important bout for my career, and one that could be the key step toward the final chapter – my rematch with Rodtang. I hope everyone will come to the arena and give me their support.”
For Denis Puric, the spotlight in Tokyo represents both danger and opportunity.
“The Bosnian Menace” has built a reputation on his ferocious forward pressure and iron will. His wars with Rodtang and Jacob Smith have established him as a fan favorite, while his toughness and heavy-handed striking have made him a feared opponent across the division.
Now, competing in Japan – the birthplace of modern kickboxing – Puric sees this as more than just another fight. He’s ready to make sure his dream is fulfilled and the 40-year-old intends to leave his mark on the country’s rich history.
The battle-tested veteran said:
“It’s an honor. Japan is the birthplace of so many legends in kickboxing, so to fight here is special. I’ve always respected the history, and now I get to add my name to it.
“Takeru is one of the best in the game – fast, explosive, and dangerous. I respect what he’s done, but I’m here to test him and show him my style.”
That approach guarantees action. Puric thrives on chaos and his forward-charging approach has broken many opponents before, both physically and mentally. Against an explosive hard-hitter like Takeru, this matchup almost guarantees fireworks.
More than that, Puric sees this chance as a way to validate years of sacrifice, to stand across from one of the sport’s biggest names and to prove that he truly belongs among the elite.
The Bosnian-Canadian veteran has vowed to bring the fight from the opening bell:
“I expect a war. I’m not coming here to play it safe, and I know Takeru won’t either. The fans will get fireworks from start to finish.
“It means everything. It’s a chance to prove myself on the biggest stage, against one of the biggest names, in the home of kickboxing. This is why I fight.”