Denis Puric enters enemy territory without fear and has plenty to prove. The hard-nosed striker will take on Japanese superstar Takeru Segawa at ONE 173 on November 15 in Tokyo, a clash that pits Puric’s relentless pressing and knockout power against one of the most decorated kickboxers in the world. For Puric it is not just a fight. It’s a chance to shock the world on his opponent’s home turf.
flea has shared the ring with elite strikers like Tagir Khalilov, Jacob Smith and Rodtang and for him, Takeru Segawa is no different.
“Just the hype. It’s the hype around him. That’s about it (what makes Segawa different from anyone else he’s going to face),” Puric told Cageside Press.
“I fought Rodtang for three rounds. I put him in the decision. He couldn’t do it (finish me), so I feel like he’s in a lot of trouble. He’s in a lot of trouble. It’s going to be a spectacle every time I get in there. This will be no different.”
Puric knows exactly what awaits him in Tokyo: a hostile but respectful crowd and the high expectations stacked in favor of the hometown hero. But that’s nothing new for the battle-tested veteran, who has made a career out of embracing chaos.
“Ah f*ck, I thrive on those kinds of roles. I’m always the underdog, the bad guy. I’m used to fighting in hostile areas. That pressure, I’m used to it bro. I’m coming in there, we’re going to conquer Japan this time,” he said.
For Puric, the match is not just a fight, it is a chance to test himself against one of the greatest kickboxers of all time. Facing a three-division K-1 champion like Takeru is exactly the kind of challenge that fuels his competitive fire.
“He’s a big name guy. It’s a great name to have on my resume. K1 champion in three divisions, why wouldn’t you (want the matchup)?” he said.
“I signed up to fight the best guys in the world. Yes, I may be old, but these guys overlook it. You see my performance against Rodtang. This one will be no different.”
When asked what fans can expect on fight night, Puric didn’t hesitate. The veteran promised all-out war, the kind of explosive performance that has defined his reputation.
“Knockouts. Fireworks,” he said.
“Fireworks man! Until he fucking goes to sleep! Don’t blink!”
Watch the entire interview with Denis Puric above. He faces Takeru Segawa on November 15 at ONE 173 in Tokyo, Japan.
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