Year Ender 2024: How Superlek And Takeru Stole The Year With Unforgettable Five-Round Thriller

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Two of this generation's greatest strikers took center stage in Tokyo's Ariake Arena in January 2024. The main event of ONE 165 featured reigning ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 defending his title against three-division K-1 Champion Takeru Segawa.

Everyone watching in the stadium and around the globe was certain this would be an epic fight. But what unfolded over the next five rounds exceeded all expectations. In fact, the Thai and Japanese megastars produced one of the greatest fights of all time.

They say everything is already written, and it was true in this case. Takeru was originally set to make his ONE debut against Rodtang Jitmuangnon. Everything was set for this monumental contest, but "The Iron Man" had to withdraw due to an injury.

Then "The Kicking Machine" stepped in to face the Japanese legend, putting his belt on the line. From their intense faceoff before the fight, it was clear that neither fighter was willing to give an inch in their quest for dominance.

In the fight, Superlek did what he does the best - using kicks to his advantage. He tried to land punches and attack on his rival's lead leg for two rounds. In round three, Takeru launched a flurry of punches on Superlek, but he absorbed them and came back stronger.

The 29-year-old Thai continued the strategy to attack with jabs and kicks, which paid dividends. The effects of those were evident on the Japanese fighter, but he fought bravely for all five rounds.

After 25 minutes of relentless action, Superlek won via unanimous decision. The Thai megastar spoiled his opponent's ONE debut, and that too on his home turf. Both fighters delivered an unforgettable fight that set a new benchmark for striking. Fans are eager to see a rematch in near future.