- George Chung
- Jan 24, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 27, 2024
Superlek Kiatmoo9 is dialed in ahead of his ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Championship title defense at ONE 165. The Thai star will meet Takeru Segawa in the main event inside Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan, on Sunday, January 28.
Facing off with “The Natural Born Crusher” in his home country has Superlek excited about the possibility of spoiling the star’s ONE Championship debut.
“If I beat him in Japan, it’s going to be awesome. But to fight in Japan is not easy. Beating him is even less easy,” Superlek told ONE.
“The Kicking Machine” is not taking the task at hand lightly. Takeru is one of the world’s preeminent strikers, and Superlek has been taking a deeper look into the intricacies of his game.
“His fighting style has karate and punches combined, like a scary melting pot. He’s good in his own way. Plus, he is durable,” the 28-year-old said.
The speed and precision of Takeru has put Superlek on notice. The reigning flyweight king has enjoyed tremendous success of late but plans to exercise caution in this crucial title defense.
The Kiatmoo9 Gym representative knows the windows of opportunity will be short-lived on Sunday.
“What I need to be extra careful of against Takeru are his punches. He strikes so well in combination, too,” Superlek commented.
“I can’t be careless because he’s great with lots of experience. I can’t just be reckless, especially fighting a fighter at this level. Reckless isn’t even in the dictionary.”
For all of his caution, Superlek is not unnerved by the main event collision. He has met the best strikers on the biggest stages while in ONE. It is just another day at the office for “The Kicking Machine.”
“For Takeru, I’m not intimidated by him. There are things I just need to be careful of. There’s nothing to be scared of because I don’t get scared in the ring,” Superlek stated.
But with the stakes so high and the stage set for a massive night in Tokyo, the 28-year-old still wants to shine brightly.
As such, Superlek wants to revert to what brought him his nickname and accolades to upend the Japanese superstar.
“[Takeru] and I have different styles. I’m slower but I have heavy weapons to save me,” Superlek said.
“My stronger points would be my more powerful kicks. My kicks are powerful and can be effective against anyone. So, I could kick his legs to stop him from moving or slow him down.”
ONE 165 airs live from Tokyo, Japan, on Sunday, January 28. The event is available via global pay-per-view on watch.onefc.com for $39.99.
