“Rodtang ends him again with ease” - Former Rodtang opponent Jacob Smith offers wild prediction on heated rivalry

Jacob Smith (R) on Rodtang vs Takeru rematch | Image by ONE Championship
Jacob Smith (R) on Rodtang vs Takeru rematch | Image by ONE Championship

Former ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title challenger Jacob Smith of the United Kingdom doubts Takeru Segawa's chances against Rodtang Jitmuangnon in a rematch.

Ad

Talks about a sequel between these two elite 135-pound strikers began heating up in the aftermath of ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri.

After his 80-second knockout loss to Rodtang last March, Takeru got his vindication by destroying Denis 'The Bosnian Menace' Puric via second-round TKO in their flyweight kickboxing contest at Ariake Arena.

In his post-fight interview, 'Natural Born Krusher' revealed that his next fight will be the final one of his decorated career. The Japanese superstar then called out Rodtang's name, wishing for him to be his last dance partner.

Ad

Get the latest updates on One Championship Rankings at Sportskeeda and more

'The Iron Man', who was in attendance in Tokyo, entered the Circle and accepted Takeru's challenge.

Meanwhile, ONE Championship shared a clip of Takeru's breakthrough win on social media.

"Takeru is BACK 🔥 The "Natural Born Krusher" TKOs Denis Puric in the closing seconds of Round 2!"
Ad

Smith, who also lost to Rodtang in a brutal five-round battle last year, gave his thoughts on the rematch.

Despite Takeru displaying his vintage form against Puric, the British bomber believes the result will stay the same against Rodtang.

He responded in the comment section of the post:

"Rodtang ends him again with ease."

Denis Puric offers Takeru help in beating Rodtang

While Jacob Smith is backing Rodtang, it appears Takeru has found an unlikely ally in the man he just knocked out.

Ad

After their fiery battle at ONE 173, Denis Puric remained gracious in defeat and exchanged a moment with the Japanese superstar backstage.

'The Bosnian Menace', who also went toe-to-toe with Rodtang last year, even lent his aid to 'Natural Born Krusher'.

"You're a warrior. You're the best. If you need help to beat Rodtang, I can help. You're very strong," Puric told Takeru.

Follow One Championship News, Schedule & Results at Sportskeeda.

Quick Links

Edited by Saiyed Adeem Karim
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
down arrow icon
More
bell-icon Manage notifications