Takeru Segawa announces retirement fight at ONE 173, calls out Rodtang and 'The Iron Man' responds

(From left) Rodtang and Takeru are ready to run it back months after they shared the Circle. [Image: ONE Championship]
(From left) Rodtang and Takeru are ready to run it back months after they shared the Circle. [Image: ONE Championship]

Emotion poured out of Takeru Segawa as he revealed that the end of his legendary career is near, but not before settling unfinished business with the man who knocked him out in 80 seconds.

Ad

Moments after securing a devastating second-round TKO of Denis Puric at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, November 16, inside Tokyo's Ariake Arena, the 34-year-old former three-division K-1 champion made a stunning announcement during his post-fight in-Circle interview with commentator Mitch Chilson.

"I have something to say. My next fight will be the last fight of my competitive career. And Rodtang, if you're willing to be my dance partner for that last one, let's do it," Takeru declared to the roaring crowd.
Ad

The request didn't require much convincing.

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

Rodtang Jitmuangnon, who was in attendance after withdrawing from his scheduled ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title bout with Nong-O Hama, immediately entered the Circle to embrace his rival before accepting the challenge for what could be the biggest rematch in kickboxing history.

"First of all, congratulations to Takeru. You did amazing tonight. And if you would like to fight with me next, if you would like me to be your last fight, I'm all for it," 'The Iron Man' responded.
Ad

They shared an intense staredown inside the Ariake Arena, officially confirming what fight fans worldwide have been craving since their first meeting at ONE 172 in March.

Ad

The full ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri replay is now available for purchase at live.onefc.com for those who missed the live event.


Recapping Takeru's ferocious finish against Denis Puric in Tokyo

The No.2-ranked flyweight kickboxing contender arrived at ONE 173 with his back against the wall, but he executed his game plan down to a tee to finish Puric on his way to a US$50,000 performance bonus from ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.

Ad

Though the Bosnian-Canadian veteran started with more aggression, throwing huge haymakers in the direction of 'Natural Born Krusher,' the Japanese slugger waited for his moment to catch him.

In return, Takeru tapped into his speed and hammer-like right hand to floor 'The Bosnian Menace' twice in the opening frame. Puric survived, but barely made it out of the frame.

The Team Vasileus star then continued his output downstairs with a series of kicks that came with bad intentions to send the 40-year-old veteran to the canvas twice before earning the TKO win via a four-knockdown rule at 2:49 of the second stanza.

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