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ONE 172: Rodtang And Takeru Fired Up For Super-Fight, Express Mutual Respect 

By Mike Joseph

The year hasn't even ended, and ONE Championship already announced the biggest match of 2025. It features two of the greatest strikers of this generation in an exhilarating five-round flyweight kickboxing super-fight at ONE 172.

This blockbuster bout between Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Takeru Segawa will go down on March 23, 2025, at Saitama Super Arena in Japan. The two were supposed to fight in 2024, but "The Iron Man" had to withdraw due to an injury.

Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Takeru Segawa set for Super Fight in 2025

Still, Takeru made his ONE debut against pound-for-pound striking great Superlek Kiatmoo9. Now, he is thrilled at the opportunity to face Rodtang and deliver a performance that fans will remember. "The Natural Born Crusher" hopes to defeat his arch-rival and prove to the world that he's the better fighter.

"I'm very happy to finally fight Rodtang. I'm not thinking about anything beyond this fight. I expect us to have the greatest striking match where one of us might break, so Rodtang, I look forward to it," Takeru said.

"Rodtang is truly strong. While he's known for brawling and intensity, he has incredible technique. In recent fights, he's shown detailed defensive skills. He's not just a strong brawler. I want to prove I'm the world's strongest by beating Rodtang."

This year was challenging for Rodtang, as an injury forced him on sidelines for a few months. Moreover, just before his last bout against Jacob Smith, he lost his belt on the scales for missing weight. He did, however, still manage to defeat the Brit convincingly.

"The Iron Man" has also been eagerly waiting for his hotly anticipated fight against the Japanese great. He assures fans that the fight will happen no matter what. Rodtang also acknowledged that Takeru is the best striker he has ever faced and feels blessed to fight him.

"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. I swear that there will be no injuries or withdrawals again," Rodtang said.

"For me, Takeru is the best striker I'll ever fight with. I think he is truly a superstar, and he has a heart of Bushido, similar to my style. I think it's a blessing that I get to meet a superstar like Takeru, and I will definitely not make the same mistake again."

Story first published: Monday, December 23, 2024, 15:00 [IST]
Other articles published on Dec 23, 2024
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