“I have to keep pushing” - Takeru won’t stop until he becomes "the best" in combat sports

Former three-division K-1 world champion Takeru Segawa won't stop chasing greatness despite his recent string of bad luck.

'Natural Born Krusher' hasn't won a fight in his native Japan since 2021. Adding to his woes was former ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon at ONE 172 in March.

'The Iron Man' took out Takeru with a crushing left hook 80 seconds into the fight and handed the Japanese star the worst defeat of his career in front of his hometown crowd at Saitama Super Arena.

While disheartened by that setback, Takeru admits it fueled his desire to get back on the mountain top. The Team Vasileus leader also revealed his battle with mental health issues during his tough stretch.

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Still, the 34-year-old veteran vows to put on an inspiring comeback for his fans. He told ONE Championship:

"Well, considering all that, I think part of why I’m fighting now is to show that, too. I’m doing it thinking, ‘Even with this illness, while battling it, I have to keep pushing to become the best in the world in combat sports.'"

Takeru will look to get back on the right track at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri in a pivotal flyweight kickboxing showdown with Denis Puric.

This make-or-break match will take place at Ariake Arena in Tokyo on Nov. 16. Follow this link to get early access to the ONE 173 pay-per-view.

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Takeru says those with depression can still achieve great things

Takeru Segawa says he's living proof that those struggling with mental health issues can still achieve greatness.

That said, he wants those facing similar troubles to continue pushing for their respective goals.

'Natural Born Krusher' told ONE:

"There are actually a lot of people in Japan with the same illness, and they are suffering a lonely battle. I want to show them that even with this condition, one can compete in combat sports on the world stage and have results to show for it."

Keep up with Sportskeeda and ONE Championship for the latest updates on ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri.

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Edited by Aziel Karthak