ONE Championship: Denis Puric to rely on power against Japanese superstar Takeru Segawa
Canadian-Bosnian veteran says he does not feel ‘the years catching up’ and wants to use ONE 173 fight as stepping stone to a title
Denis Puric will step into the spotlight once again when he faces Japanese superstar Takeru Segawa at ONE 173 in Tokyo’s Ariake Arena on November 16, and the 40-year-old insisted he was more than prepared for the challenge.
“I feel like I got another chance to go for the belt, at least in kickboxing,” Puric told the Post. “If I beat Takeru, I think it’s gonna be right there again. We put on a spectacle last time, so I’m just excited, man. I’m just excited to go in there and do what I do: perform.”
Puric said he knew that competing at his age was unusual in elite combat sports but said he did not feel the years catching up.
“It’s wonderful that I can still do it at this age,” he said. “To be honest, I feel good. I don’t feel the age creeping up on me. It does take a little bit longer to recover for sure, but I’m just happy they gave me some time to prepare for this fight.
“Usually I get five or six weeks’ notice. At this age I need a longer camp, so I’m very happy I got 12 weeks. I’ll be ready for this one for sure.”
The Canadian-Bosnian striker explained how the match-up came together, saying he had already been offered Takeru last year.