Takeru Announces Retirement Fight, Calls Out Rodtang After Devastating TKO Win At ONE 173

Former three-division K-1 Champion Takeru Segawa shocked the martial arts world by announcing his next fight will be his last and challenging Thai megastar Rodtang Jitmuangnon after delivering a devastating TKO victory over Denis Puric at ONE 173 on 16 November.

The 34-year-old Japanese striking icon dropped Puric four times across two rounds to claim a dominant TKO victory. Takeru knocked out the 40-year-old Bosnian-Canadian twice in each round before finishing the bout at the 2:49 mark of round two.

The spectacular performance improved Takeru's record to 45-5 and earned him a US$50,000 performance bonus. However, the real story came during the post-fight interview when the Japanese legend revealed his retirement plans and issued his challenge.

"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.

The 28-year-old Rodtang, who couldn't compete for the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship against Nong-O Hama due to illness, immediately entered the Circle to accept the challenge in an emotional moment that electrified the arena.

"First of all, congratulation 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 said.

The rematch would provide redemption for Takeru, who suffered a devastating first-round knockout loss to Rodtang at ONE 172 in March during their highly anticipated first encounter.

ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong discussed the possibility of staging the blockbuster rematch during the post-event press conference. The promotion also announced that ONE 175 will take place on 29 April next year in Tokyo, providing the perfect stage for Takeru's retirement fight.

"You know, 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," Chatri said.