Nearly a decade ago, a young Chinese striker walked into Japan to face the sport’s hottest star. He lost the fight, but he left with the belief that no legend is unbeatable.
Wang Junguang meets reigning ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion Prajanchai Pongsuphan PK in a strawweight kickboxing main event at The Inner Circle 35 on Friday, October 16. The bout streams from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, for members of The Inner Circle.
In 2017, Wang challenged Takeru Segawa for the K-1 Featherweight Championship at the K-1 WORLD GP and lost a three-round unanimous decision. Surviving the Japanese icon on his home turf, at the peak of his powers, taught the young striker a lesson he still carries.
That lesson matters now more than ever. Prajanchai brings nearly 400 professional bouts into the contest, while the 31-year-old Enfusion Kickboxing Champion returns to ONE for the first time in nearly six years.
“Fighting Takeru taught me that no matter how formidable an opponent is, they are beatable as long as you believe in yourself. You have to have full, unwavering faith in your own ability. If you train hard each day and commit fully to camp, anything is possible, no matter how great your rival may be,” Wang said.
Wang Junguang pays tribute to Takeru
Less than 24 hours after Wang’s comeback, Takeru will be inducted into the ONE Championship Hall of Fame at ONE SAMURAI 4 in Tokyo. He joins legends Demetrious Johnson, Bibiano Fernandes, and Aung La N Sang.
The Yao Fight Team standout has long been called “China’s Takeru,” but he now wants to be known by his own name under a new nickname, “The Warrior.” His respect for the man behind the comparison, however, runs deep.
“Takeru’s career has been incredibly fulfilling. He has done so much to promote kickboxing. Many people got into the sport because of him. He has contributed tremendously to the growth of this industry,” Wang said.
“Takeru, I wish you all the best on the next chapter of your life. Keep shining bright.”
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
