Takeru certain Rodtang’s weight struggle is a thing of the past ahead of dream clash at ONE 172: “Rodtang will do his best”  

Japanese kickboxing legend Takeru Segawa expects Thai superstar Rodtang Jitmuangnon to be in his utmost best when they battle in a super fight in March. It includes 'The Iron Man' making weight after struggling to make flyweight in each of his last two matches.

'The Natural Born Crusher' is set to collide with Rodtang in a long-planned flyweight kickboxing super fight at ONE 172 on March 23 at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.

In a recent interview with combat sports journalist Nic Atkin, Takeru shared that like him, he expects Rodtang will be invested in the contest and make sure he is in top form.

He said:

"I believe that Rodtang will do his best to make weight and hydration."

Check out what he had to say below:

Rodtang first missed weight in June when he took on veteran Denis Puric, leaving their originally scheduled flyweight kickboxing match to be played in a catchweight of 141.25 pounds that he eventually won by decision.

Then in November, he missed weight anew, which proved to be costly as he was stripped of the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title. The title match against Englishman Jacob Smith still pushed through but with the Thai fighter ineligible to win the title back despite emerging triumphant by way of decision as part of his penalty.

Takeru has long sought a showdown against Rodtang since he joined ONE Championship as a free agent last year in his push to continue testing his skills against the top fighters in the world.

Pre-sale registration for ONE 172 tickets is already available on this link. The event will be aired live and for free at U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.

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Takeru hell-bent on beating Rodtang in front of Japanese fans

Takeru Segawa approaches his scheduled kickboxing super fight with Rodtang Jitmuangnon at ONE 172 on March 23 in Japan with dogged determination to give hometown fans a victory to celebrate.

He shared this during the press conference for the marquee event, highligting how a victory for him in Japan after some time will be huge not only for him but his countrymen as well.

The Yonago City native said:

"I'm very happy to fight in Japan. After leaving K-1, often fought overseas. I'm glad I can show the culmination of my active career in front of Japanese fans. I want to show them my victory."

Takeru had his debut ONE match last in January in Japan, where he vied for the flyweight kickboxing world title against Superlek Kiatmoo9. He, however, fell short in his bid, losing by decision.