The blockbuster card at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena just got more explosive with this flyweight kickboxing clash between two warriors traveling different paths toward the same destination: relevance in one of combat sports’ most competitive divisions.
For Takeru, the #2-ranked contender, this homecoming represents a chance to wash away the sting of recent setbacks. The 34-year-old former three-division K-1 Champion arrived in ONE Championship with massive expectations, only to discover that global superstardom doesn’t guarantee success against the world’s best.
His debut against Superlek Kiatmoo9 for the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title at ONE 165 in January 2024 delivered fireworks but ended in unanimous decision defeat. The comeback victory against Thant Zin showed glimpses of his devastating potential, but then came the crusher – a first-round knockout loss to Rodtang Jitmuangnon at ONE 172 that left Japanese fans stunned and Takeru’s championship aspirations in ruins.
Now, in front of his passionate hometown crowd, the “Natural Born Krusher” needs to prove that those setbacks were temporary detours rather than career-defining defeats. His explosive finishing ability and karate-based striking arsenal have produced 26 career knockouts, but momentum matters more than statistics when you’re trying to climb back up the mountain.
Standing directly in his path is Puric, a 40-year-old veteran who specializes in playing spoiler to younger stars’ comeback narratives. The Bosnian-Canadian warrior may have lost to Rodtang via unanimous decision at ONE 167 in June, but he earned something more valuable than victory – respect for his relentless pressure and ferocious power.
That performance showcased exactly why “The Bosnian Menace” remains dangerous despite the tough losses that have marked his ONE Championship tenure. Puric understands his role in this fight. He is the grizzled veteran who could derail Takeru’s redemption story and claim the biggest victory of his career.
For Takeru, victory opens doors to everything he came to ONE Championship seeking – another shot at Rodtang, a path back to title contention, and validation that he belongs among the division’s elite. For Puric, it’s the chance to prove that experience and determination can overcome youth and reputation.
