ONE 173 preview and prediction: Takeru Segawa vs. Denis Puric

Two proud modern-day warriors hell-bent on redemption will step into the Circle at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri. The world will tune in to the flyweight kickboxing battle between Takeru Segawa and Denis Puric this Sunday, Nov. 16.

This isn’t just another fight for these fierce strikers, who have been in tough times as of late.

For Takeru, his homecoming at Ariake Arena is riddled with the burning desire for absolution. After suffering a brutal 80-second knockout loss to Rodtang Jitmuangnon in March, the Japanese superstar is eager to not let his devoted countrymen down this time.

The setback shook him to his core, and the 34-year-old has humbly shown his vulnerability by sharing his mental health struggles. With a chance to redeem himself to his loyal fans who stuck by his side, Takeru sees no other outcome than a victory.

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The Team Vasileus leader made it clear that he’s still eyeing a rematch with ‘The Iron Man’.

If he returns to his vintage form with a spectacular performance against ‘The Bosnian Menace’, then all would be forgiven.

But Puric understands his own legacy is also at stake. Once a fixture in the flyweight rankings, the 40-year-old crumbled against much younger opponents.

These recent setbacks raised questions about his ability to still compete at the highest levels.

A victory over a superstar like Takeru erases those concerns, and Puric will stop at nothing to get his hand raised.

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Prediction: Takeru defeats Denis Puric via third-round knockout

A wounded animal is at its most dangerous with its back against the wall.

The pressure of his past setbacks still weighs heavily on Takeru, and he's eager to right those wrongs this Sunday.

I expect 'Natural Born Krusher' to have a more methodical start to this one, especially after getting knocked out in his last fight.

The Japanese star should gauge the distance, attack from the outside with his kicks, and be more content with counterstriking.

Puric, on the other hand, will see this as an opportunity to close the distance and initiate a phonebooth brawl.

'The Bosnian Menace' thrives in these situations, and I expect him to tag Takeru a couple of times and perhaps even score an early knockdown.

But Takeru would rather die than lose once more in his home country and once again will showcase his Bushido spirit.

As the fight goes on, his signature body blows will begin taking their toll on Puric. I see the 40-year-old veteran eventually slowing down in the final frame.

Body shots have been a massive hole in Puric's armor as of late, and the cerebral Takeru will continuously exploit that weakness.

I see the Japanese hero emerging victorious with a highlight-reel finish via a front kick to the liver.

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Edited by Aziel Karthak