ONE 172: Rodtang Outlines Game Plan For “Unpredictable And Unorthodox” Takeru

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Boxing GOAT Muhammad Ali once said, "It will be a killer, and a chiller, and a thriller" before his iconic fight with Joe Frazier. The same can be expected when Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Takeru Segawa step into Saitama Super Arena in Japan for their dream match on 23 March.

The two great generational strikers will headline the blockbuster ONE 172 event. There, the Thai megastar challenges the Japanese heartthrob in a five-round flyweight kickboxing super-fight. This bout was originally scheduled for ONE 165 last year, but Rodtang's injury delayed the highly anticipated clash.

At that event, "Natural Born Krusher" made his ONE Championship debut against Superlek Kiatmoo9, and the two delivered a fighting masterpiece. However, Takeru fell short in a hard-fought battle in front of his home crowd.

Now, the man with an iron chin has taken a dig at Takeru, vowing to bury him deep. Furthermore, the 27-year-old Muay Thai global icon believes his opponent's defense is weak and was exposed in his last two fights.

"When Takeru lost to Superlek, he said in an interview that it made him feel like he was dying alive. So in this fight, I will be the one to bury him six feet under," former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion said.

"Takeru's most dangerous weapons are his unpredictable and unorthodox attacks. He was truly born to fight. Everyone knows what his weakness is - his defense is poor. Although he is durable, when he attacks, he neglects his defense. He proved that in his fights with Superlek and Thant Zin."

In 2021, the Japanese legend expressed his desire to face Rodtang in the ring. He signed with ONE Championship in April 2023 to challenge the Thai as soon as possible. Since then, he has managed to open his win account in ONE.

With a record of 44-4, Takeru recently admitted that he would fight as if it were his last match. "The Iron Man" responded that it will be an epic fight but he that would feel sad defeating him if the Japanese megastar retires.

"Takeru said he would fight as if it's his last fight, and he came to ONE to fight me, so I am really happy to respond to him. This fight is going to be a barnburner. Everyone will definitely enjoy it," he said.

"If I were really going to be the last one who fights Takeru and he'll retire, I'll forever blame myself and never forgive myself. [Beating] him painfully in his last match would not be nice."

Fans can watch ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang live on pay-per-view via watch.onefc.com beginning at 12:30 PM IST on Sunday, March 23. The first two bouts will be available to watch for free on ONE Championship's Facebook account, ONE Championship's YouTube channel, and watch.onefc.com at 12:30 PM IST.