Former K-1 Champion Takeru “Natural Born Krusher” Segawa shocked the martial arts world by announcing his impending retirement and immediately calling out former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon for his final bout after delivering a spectacular TKO victory over Denis Puric at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, November 16, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
The 34-year-old Japanese megastar dropped his Canadian adversary four times across two rounds before securing stoppage at the 2:49 mark of the second frame, improving his professional record to 45-5 and capturing a US$50,000 performance bonus in the process.
Takeru’s post-fight challenge sparked an emotional in-Circle confrontation with Rodtang, who immediately accepted the Japanese legend’s request to serve as his final opponent.
Takeru Delivers Statement Performance Before Retirement Call
Takeru showcased elite striking throughout his dominant performance against Puric, demonstrating the technical skills and devastating power that established him as one of kickboxing’s greatest champions across multiple weight classes. The Japanese star knocked down his opponent twice in each round, systematically dismantling Puric with precision combinations and thunderous strikes.
The emphatic victory set the stage for one of the most memorable post-fight moments in recent ONE Championship history, as the “Natural Born Krusher” immediately revealed his career-defining plans during the interview.
“My next fight will be the last fight of my competitive career. And Rodtang, if you are willing to be my dance partner for that last one, let’s do it,” Takeru said.
Rodtang Immediately Accepts Rematch
The emotional moment escalated when Rodtang entered the Circle to face the Japanese legend, creating an electric atmosphere as two of combat sports’ biggest stars stood face-to-face before embracing. The Thai expressed respect for the Tokyo native’s performance while confirming his willingness to provide the Japanese icon with his desired retirement fight.
“First of all, congratulations to Takeru. You were amazing tonight. If you would like to fight me next, if you would like me to be your last fight, I am all for it,” Rodtang responded.
The acceptance sets up a potential rematch of their March 2025 encounter at ONE 172, where Rodtang defeated Takeru via first-round knockout. The prospect of a second meeting between two striking legends has immediately captured the imagination of martial arts fans worldwide.
Chatri Sityodtong Discusses Record-Breaking Potential in Japan
ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong addressed the possibility of booking Rodtang vs. Takeru II during the post-event press conference, expressing enthusiasm about the matchup’s potential to deliver historic viewership and attendance numbers in Japan. The organization’s leader highlighted the significance of Takeru’s retirement fight taking place on home soil.
“I don’t know, but I definitely want Rodtang to fight Takeru. I think that’s a great time to put Rodtang versus Takeru II as Takeru’s retirement fight. And I think that would break all records in Japan and be an incredible event,” Sityodtong said.
Earlier, ONE Championship announced during the ONE 173 broadcast that ONE 175 will take place on April 29, 2026, in Tokyo, providing a potential timeline for the legendary rematch. While nothing has been officially confirmed, the momentum behind Takeru’s retirement challenge and Rodtang’s immediate acceptance suggests negotiations could move quickly to deliver one of the most anticipated kickboxing rematches in recent memory.
