Takeru says he and Rodtang made for each other: “I don't think there's anyone else who matches up this well globally”

Japanese kickboxing legend Takeru Segawa is happy and excited that his long-planned showdown with Thai superstar Rodtang is finally happening in the first quarter next year. He reiterated that it is about time and believes there is no bigger fight to be made.

'The Natural Born Crusher' will battle 'The Iron Man' in a kickboxing super fight at ONE 172 on March 23, 2025. It will be the headlining contest of the event, happening at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.

Speaking at the press conference for ONE 172 recently, Takeru touted his scheduled showdown with Rodtang as a match-up for the ages and one that needed to happen.

He said:

"Even if we weren't in the same weight class, I don't think there's anyone else who matches up this well globally."

Takeru and Rodtang were initially penciled in to collide in January this year, but the fight did not come to fruition as the Thai standout withdrew because of injury. The Yonago City native wanted to face off with Rodtang ever since he came on board ONE Championship from K-1 last year.

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.

Takeru solely focused on marquee Rodtang showdown

Aware of the magnitude of his scheduled match at ONE 172 on March 23, Takeru Segawa said he is giving utmost attention to his preparation against Rodtang Jitmuangnon.

He shared this in the press conference for ONE 172, highligting how he is going to prepare like no other to come up with the best performance possible come fight night.

'The Natural Born Crusher' said:

"I'm not thinking about anything beyond this fight. I will put everything from my martial arts life into this battle. I expect us to have the greatest striking match where one of us might break, so Rodtang, I look forward to it."

Takeru was last in action in September, where he notched his first victory in ONE with a second-round knockout of upcoming Burmese fighter Thant Zin. He lost in his promotional debut in January by decision to Thai superstar Superlek Kiatmoo9.

Rodtang, meanwhile, also won in his last match in November, beating Englishman Jacob Smith by decision in their title match. He, however, was stripped of the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title in the lead-up for missing weight and was ineligible to win it back despite the victory as part of his penalty.