Rodtang respects rival Takeru ahead of fiery rematch at ONE SAMURAI 1: “He hand-picked me as his opponent”

Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon is heading back to Japan with a clear mission: capture the ONE Interim Flyweight Kickboxing World Title and deliver a performance worthy of the moment. His opponent, Takeru “Natural Born Krusher” Segawa, has announced that their rematch at ONE SAMURAI 1 on April 29 inside Ariake Arena in Tokyo will be the final bout of his career.

The stage could not be bigger. Their first meeting at ONE 172 in March 2025 lasted just 80 seconds, with Rodtang ending the night via left hook. Takeru rebounded by stopping Denis Puric at ONE 173 in November, earning the right to this farewell appearance. That Takeru chose Rodtang as the opponent for his final night speaks to the depth of respect between these two elite strikers.

Rodtang acknowledged that significance directly.

“This fight is the most important fight yet, not because of an interim belt, but because it’s his last fight. And he chose me. He probably really respects me. And I’m happy to be a part of his fight journey. On his last day, he hand-picked me as his opponent,” he said.

“I am very honored, and I truly appreciate how much he respects me. I am confident that it is going to be entertaining that evening. Everyone will be proud of him. Even if he loses.”

Rodtang Jitmuangnon makes his championship ambitions clear

Respect and competition coexist comfortably for Rodtang Jitmuangnon. Admiring Takeru’s legacy does not soften his approach to the fight itself. The 28-year-old carries a 17-2 promotional record and a 274-43 career mark built entirely on relentless forward pressure and an iron chin that has absorbed some of the hardest shots in striking. Now he wants to add a kickboxing world title to his decorated resume.

Takeru holds a 45-5 record and three K-1 titles across different weight classes. The farewell setting and the partisan Tokyo crowd behind him make him no less dangerous. Rodtang is aware of that — and has no plans to take anything for granted.

“No doubt, everyone can talk themselves great in the interviews. They can say or do anything to make people believe that they would do this and that on the big day. I believe that Takeru cannot take me for granted, as much as I cannot take him for granted,” he said.

“In our first fight, even though I beat him, I still cannot take him for granted. But believe me, my heart is stronger than steel. There’s no easy way to take me down.”

Beyond title ambitions, Rodtang carries Thailand’s pride into hostile territory on April 29.

“In this upcoming fight, I would like to perform my best. For sure, the only goal in fighting is victory. I want to bring the victory back to my home country. To my Thailand,” he finished.