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Takeru Segawa has found strength in the people closest to him during his ongoing battle with mental health challenges.The 34-year-old former three-division K-1 champion faces Denis Puric in a flyweight kickboxing bout at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri inside Tokyo's Ariake Arena on Sunday, Nov. 16.Before his return, he sat down with ONE Championship for an exclusive interview, where he opened up about the crucial support system that has helped him manage his depression."My teammates treat me candidly without any of that walking-on-eggshells caginess, which is why I feel comfortable. As for my wife, she's seen me suffer through this illness many times. She chose to be with me, knowing all that. She married me, so I really feel supported," Takeru told the promotion.As the Japanese icon prepares to face 'The Bosnian Menace' at ONE 173, that support system remains crucial to his ability to perform at the highest level while managing the mental health challenges. View this post on Instagram Instagram PostTakeru still fixated on Rodtang rematch 'Natural Born Krusher' may have suffered a shocking 80-second loss to Rodtang at ONE 172 in Saitama this past March, but he's fired up to put on a show at ONE 173 to earn another shot at 'The Iron Man'."My biggest motivation is to get revenge on Rodtang. Signing with ONE was to fight Rodtang. I want to face him again in the best condition possible," the 34-year-old told the promotion in a separate interview.Like Takeru, Puric heads into this flyweight kickboxing joust in Tokyo in need of a statement victory. The Bosnian-Canadian veteran seeks his first triumph in four outings when he faces the Team Vasileus man.Can Takeru return to the winner's column in Tokyo and secure a sequel against 'The Iron Man', or will Puric stun the hometown bet in his own backyard? Share your predictions below!Fight fans can head to live.onefc.com to secure their PPV tickets for ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, Nov. 16.
