Rodtang recalls watching Takeru: “I felt chills down my spine”

Great fights are made of unforgettable moments. And when former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon saw Takeru Segawa fight firsthand, he experienced a whirlwind of emotions.

The iconic duo will meet at ONE 172 on Sunday, March 23, inside Japan’s historic Saitama Super Arena in a five-round flyweight kickboxing super-fight for the ages.

Rodtang witnessed Takeru in action at ONE Friday Fights 81 in September. There, the Japanese ace faced rising star Thant Zin in a thrilling kickboxing bout.

Takeru suffered an early knockdown that sent Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium into a frenzy. But true to his warrior spirit, he fought back to secure a second-round TKO win. That performance only heightened Rodtang’s anticipation to finally face “The Natural Born Crusher.”

“I’ve watched Takeru’s fights at Lumpinee. I admit that I felt chill down my spine and I was thrilled at the same time. Because Takeru got knocked down at the early round but he comeback and turn the tide to win.   

“He is a prodigy in kickboxing rules. His fighting spirit is one that never gives up. I accepted his fight that day and I strongly believe that our path will cross again soon. I’m ready to fight him and show both of our kickboxing styles.” 

Rodtang promises nothing will stop him from facing Takeru at ONE 172

Rodtang Jitmuangnon is more determined than ever to face Takeru Segawa at ONE 172 in March.

“The Iron Man” was originally scheduled to meet the Japanese megastar this past January at ONE 165. Unfortunately, an injury forced him to withdraw from the highly anticipated bout.

Now, 13 months later, the pair are set to collide, and Rodtang vows that nothing will derail their long-awaited showdown.

“For Takeru who has been waiting to fight me and for the fans who have been waiting for this match for over a year, of course, this time I will not disappoint everyone,” Rodtang said.  

“I will do my best to be as ready as possible to face Takeru that day. I swear that there will be no injuries or withdrawals again.”