“The final lap” - Takeru Segawa promises to take Rodtang Jitmuangnon down in kickboxing super fight at ONE 172 in Tokyo

Takeru Segawa has the opponent he's always wanted in the city where he built his legendary legacy.

The Japanese icon will take on Rodtang Jitmuangnon in a flyweight kickboxing super match in the main event of ONE 172 on March 23 at Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

Taking to Instagram, Takeru said he's in the final stage of his brilliant career, and taking on Rodtang in his hometown would be a huge feather in his already stacked cap.

Takeru Segawa posted:

"It’s the final lap in my career as a martial artist. Please come and stay by my side until the end. I’ll win in front of Japanese fans."

Takeru was initially scheduled to face Rodtang in his ONE Championship debut at ONE 165 in January this year, but the former ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion was forced out of the card after suffering a broken hand in training camp.

Superlek Kiatmoo9 ultimately stepped in to fill the main event slot and retained the ONE flyweight kickboxing world title in a hard-fought unanimous decision win over Takeru.

'The Natural Born Crusher' has since recovered from the defeat and scored a stunning knockout finish against Burmese knockout machine Thant Zin at ONE Friday Fights 81 in September this year.

Rodtang, meanwhile, is coming off two straight wins over Denis Puric and Jacob Smith ahead of his impending Tokyo barnburner against Takeru.

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Takeru Segawa says he'll carry the spirit of Japanese martial arts in super showdown against Rodtang Jitmuangnon

Takeru Segawa knows there's more at stake when he finally steps between the ropes in his matchup against Rodtang Jitmuangnon at ONE 172.

During the card's press conference in Tokyo, Takeru said he'll carry the identity of Japanese martial arts when he squares off against the Thai megastar at Saitama Super Arena.

The former three-division K-1 Kickboxing world champion said:

"I fight carrying Japanese martial arts on my shoulders. I've fought carrying organizations and belts, which has had a positive influence."

Fans can now sign up on this page to receive the latest updates on when tickets for ONE 172 will go on sale.