"The greatest striking match" - Takeru shifts focus solely on upcoming showdown with Rodtang in Japan at ONE 172

Japanese kickboxing sensation and ONE Championship athlete Takeru Segawa is completely zeroed in on his hotly anticipated flyweight kickboxing clash with fellow megastar Rodtang Jitmuangnon at ONE 172 on March 23, 2025. The event will take place inside the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.

'The Natural Born Crusher' talked about his expectations for their bout during the ONE 172 press conference, saying:

"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."

Since ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong announced Takeru's signing in April last year, fans have dreamed of watching him and the former flyweight Muay Thai king battling for supremacy inside the Circle.

They were set to headline ONE 165 this past January, but Rodtang was forced to withdraw due to injury. Takeru instead challenged ONE flyweight kickboxing and bantamweight Muay Thai world champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 for 26 pounds of flyweight kickboxing gold.

Despite a hearty effort from the Team Vasileus standout, 'The Kicking Machine' fought a perfect fight to remain on the throne via unanimous decision.

At ONE Friday Fights 81 on Sept. 27, Takeru claimed his first win under the ONE banner by knocking out Burmese rising star Thant Zin in the second round.

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Takeru thrilled about finally fighting Rodtang

Takeru can now breathe a sigh of relief that his kickboxing megafight with Rodtang finally has a new date, with the bonus of it taking place in his backyard.

The 33-year-old said the following during the ONE 172 press conference:

"I'm very happy to finally fight Rodtang. He had injuries and our fight was postponed, but this match happening now means it was destiny."