‘My Last Task As A Fighter’ – Takeru Seeks Ultimate Revenge Against Rodtang At ONE SAMURAI 1
There is exactly one way Takeru “Natural Born Krusher” Segawa intends to ride off into the sunset: with 26 pounds of gold draped over his shoulder, a highlight-reel knockout, and the final word over the man who briefly silenced him.
The 34-year-old Japanese kickboxing icon faces Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon in a blockbuster rematch for the ONE Interim Flyweight Kickboxing World Championship, headlining ONE SAMURAI 1 inside Tokyo’s Ariake Arena on Wednesday, April 29.
Standing as a former three-division K-1 Champion and one of the most celebrated strikers Japan has ever produced, “Natural Born Krusher” believes this epic super fight serves as the perfect curtain call.
A final chapter, though, is only as good as the story it closes. Against a formidable adversary like Rodtang, the former longtime ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion, that narrative has every chance of becoming something truly extraordinary.
Takeru told onefc.com:
“We can [provide fans] the greatest slugfest that they want to see. I’m confident I will emerge as a winner, and it’ll be memorable to defeat him in the world’s best slugfest.”
The Japanese kickboxing legend enters this highly anticipated sequel carrying something much heavier than ambition. Their initial encounter at ONE 172 last March lasted a mere 80 seconds before Rodtang’s concussive one-punch power put him on the canvas, bringing the bout to a sudden, crushing end.
It was the kind of bitter defeat that does not simply get filed away:
“When I fought him the last time, I lost to him in the first round. Throughout my career, I had never lost a fight [as quickly] as that. The fire for revenge is there.
“Hence, this is why I believe this is my last task as a fighter. It’s because I want to defeat him and retire.”
His subsequent response, however, was nothing short of commanding. Bouncing back at ONE 173 in Tokyo last November, he systematically dismantled Denis “The Bosnian Menace” Puric, scoring four thunderous knockdowns en route to a second-round stoppage. That dominant performance kept the door to redemption open, and Takeru walked straight through it.
The Team Vasileus representative has not approached this rematch with a romanticized view of his opponent. Instead, he arrives with a precise understanding of exactly what makes “The Iron Man” so dangerous.
He continued:
“I believe he is not a rough fighter who just swings wildly. He uses very subtle feints and small attacks. He uses a variety of skills. I also felt each of his punches – they were powerful and heavy.
“Rodtang’s level of strength is beyond what can be attained from watching videos of him. That is what makes him a very dangerous fighter. His strength is the power of each of his strikes, plus his defensive capability is also high.”
Takeru’s deep respect for his foe’s arsenal has not dulled his own ultimate ambition for how he plans to cap off a legendary martial arts journey.
A stellar career built on multiple knockouts across three weight classes and a historic seven-year unbeaten run in K-1 gives him supreme confidence in his capabilities — and in what he intends to produce on April 29.
The Yonago native added:
“I have knocked out many fighters not easily stopped by a knockout. So, this will be my target. I want to defeat him by KO to end my career perfectly. I want to score a beautiful KO and show everyone that Takeru is the strongest in the world.”
Setting The Standard For A New Era
A knockout finish and a ONE World Title — if Takeru Segawa delivers both, the resounding message sent to the flyweight kickboxing division, and to every spectator watching around the globe, would be impossible to ignore.
The occasion, though, carries immense weight that extends well beyond personal glory. ONE SAMURAI 1 represents a massive new chapter for the world’s largest martial arts organization in Japan.
“Natural Born Krusher” understands exactly what his position in the main event demands, and he aims to set an incredibly high standard for every monthly ONE SAMURAI spectacle that follows:
“Since this is the first one of such events, the excitement of this event will probably influence how popular the future ONE SAMURAI events will be.
“As I’ll be fighting in the main event of that show against Rodtang, I am determined to make it the best fight. I want to pass this spirit to future ONE SAMURAI events in Japan.”
After nearly two decades, 45 professional victories, and a legacy that completely redefined Japanese kickboxing on the global stage, Takeru is down to his final night of competition.
There will be plenty of time for emotional tributes and farewells when April 29 concludes. Before that happens, the Team Vasileus affiliate has one definitive statement to make before hanging up his gloves for good.
He concluded:
“I would like to leave the ring with everyone thinking, ‘Takeru really was the strongest fighter in the world.’
“To fans and family, I’m feeling glad that you all supported me. I will definitely get the ONE Championship world title – the world’s strongest belt – in my final fight. So please watch and support my final match.”
