One of Japan’s biggest kickboxing stars is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Takeru announced on social media that he had suffered a broken hand.
The reigning K-1 super featherweight champion broke the bad news on Twitter:
皆様へご報告。 pic.twitter.com/s9V9MMz9Wu
— 武尊 takeru (@takerusegawa) October 9, 2020
Takeru had been set to defend his belt against Leona Pettas at the upcoming K-1 World Grand Prix 2020 on November 3rd. He apologized to fans that had purchased tickets to the event in Fukuoka hoping to see him fight.
Widely regarded as being the best pound for pound Japanese kickboxer at present Takeru has not lost a fight in over eight years. He is K-1’s most marketable star and is coming off a second round stoppage win over Petchdam Petchkiatpetch at K’Festa 3.
In the message Takeru states that he had broken his left hand but still hoped to fight. Unfortunately the 29 year old was forced to withdraw from the title bout when it became clear he would not recover in time.
It remains to be seen whether K-1 will find an alternative opponent for Pettas. The Krush super featherweight champion earned his title shot after winning nine fights in a row.
