The former three-division K-1 Champion meets the Canadian-Bosnian veteran in a flyweight kickboxing contest that could impact Takeru’s positioning for future title opportunities. Puric showed durability in a decision loss to former ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon at ONE 167 last year, maintaining his aggressive approach across three rounds against the Thai.
Takeru views Puric’s forward pressure as a strategic advantage for his own finishing ability. The 34-year-old has prepared specifically for an opponent who prioritizes offensive over defensive.
“I’d heard he wanted to fight me, and I guess he’s got confidence in himself against me,” Takeru said.
“Personally, I’ve always thought he’s a fighter whom I match up against really well. He’s the type who comes out aggressively and wants to trade blows. He’s a really aggressive player. I think he’s the kind of fighter who can win in an impactful manner. He’s got explosive power.”
The Team Vasileus representative studied Puric’s previous contests, including matchups against former K-1 competitor Koya Urabe, identifying areas he plans to exploit during the bout.
“I can’t really say too much about that without revealing our strategy. But I think he has plenty of holes,” Takeru said.
“My former K-1 compatriot, Koya Urabe, has fought him before. I have watched those matches to devise my strategies. I’m training expecting a full fight, but I’ve devised a whole set of strategies for fighting him. I see weaknesses in his game, so I’m thinking it’d be great if I could use all three rounds to get the KO.”
Takeru anticipates Puric will pursue his own knockout finish while defending his position in the flyweight kickboxing rankings. The Japanese striker remains confident his preparation and adjustments will produce the result he’s targeting.
“I really think it’ll be a thrilling match,” Takeru said.
“He seems to think he can KO me, but conversely, I think he’s the kind of fighter worth knocking out. If it comes down to an all-out slugfest, I’m absolutely confident that I can finish him. I think it’ll be an exciting fight.”
Takeru competes alongside two Team Vasileus teammates at ONE 173. Masaaki Noiri challenges Superbon for the ONE featherweight kickboxing world title in the main event, while Yuki Yoza meets Superlek in a bantamweight kickboxing contest with championship implications.
Noiri’s interim title victory over Tawanchai PK Saenchai at ONE 172 in March provided additional motivation for Takeru’s own championship pursuit.
“My teammate Noiri, who’s around the same age as me and has been fighting alongside me since the K-1 days, reached the top of ONE,” Takeru said.
“That’s been a huge inspiration too. It fuels the desire and urgency to get to where he is as soon as possible.”
The shared card creates competitive motivation among the Team Vasileus athletes, with each looking to deliver a performance that matches the stakes of each fight.
“Having teammates to fight alongside is incredible — it’s so reassuring,” Takeru said.
“And even though we’re teammates, I think we can push each other to improve, competing to see who puts on the most exciting match after we win together. It’s not just about winning; it’s also about who can deliver the most thrilling fight and secure a KO victory. That’s the kind of battle I envision.”
