From Picking Scraps To Collecting Straps - Rodtang’s Incredible Journey to World Championship Ahead of ONE 172

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Former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon has a name, fame, money, and everything one could ask for. But it wasn't always like this. Now, the Thai megastar is preparing for the biggest fight of his career on Sunday, 23 March.

In the highly anticipated main event of ONE 172, "The Iron Man" will clash with three-division K-1 Champion Takeru Segawa in a five-round flyweight kickboxing super-fight at Saitama Super Arena in Japan. This bout has all the makings of a Fight of the Year contender.

With his fearless approach, unstoppable mindset, and iron chin, the 27-year-old has become a global phenomenon. Growing up, however, life was tough for him and his family. Rodtang had to collect scraps to earn money, but his urge to support his family led him to Muay Thai.

"I grew up in a poor family. My family had to struggle all the time. We always struggled making money and everything. Before becoming a Thai boxer, I played football. I made some money from playing football. But it wasn't much," Rodtang said.

"I collected some scrap metal for recycling. Then, a friend mentioned I should try boxing. I made 300 in my first fight. I figured it would be a good way to make money at the time. I figured it'd be a good solution to let me have a better life."

With an astonishing 16-2 record in the promotion, Rodtang's dominant presence can shake his opponent's will. However, it's hard to believe that someone as tough as him was once bullied in school.

Soon to be a father, Rodtang has demolished world-class opponents with his powerful strikes. But as a child, he was often bullied and could do nothing but cry. He further added that he worked extremely hard to achieve success.

"I don't think fighting is scary. When I was little, I didn't like fighting at all. I even got bullied at school, so I cried and went home. When I grew up, I decided to fight because I had passed the point of childhood fear," Rodtang said.

"My fighting style, it's known locally as 'stupid boxing.' I tried pushing myself to the best point I could, that the others have reached. So, I kept on training. At least, even though I wasn't a champion at the time, I kept my own style of fighting that everyone liked."