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ONE Championship
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ONE Championship: Takeru is left in limbo after Rodtang face-off fail – but still wants kickboxing fight in Tokyo

  • Japanese kickboxing icon flies to Bangkok for ONE Friday Fights 34 main event – but Superlek win throws a spanner in the works
  • Takeru admits the promotion’s plan was ‘of course’ to have him stare down Rodtang in the ring to set up fight had ‘Iron Man’ won

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Takeru Segawa (left) is still looking to debut in ONE against Rodtang Jitmuangnon (right). Photo: Nicolas Atkin/ONE Championship
Nicolas Atkinin Bangkok

Takeru Segawa flew into Bangkok from Los Angeles for a staredown with Rodtang Jitmuangnon that never came, after Superlek Kiatmookao’s hand was raised at ONE Friday Fights 34.

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But the Japanese kickboxing icon is still hopeful a big-money super fight with the Thai superstar can be booked for his debut in ONE Championship.

The 32-year-old signed with the Singapore-based martial arts promotion in April but is still waiting to fight, with ONE’s return to Japan – rumoured to be in Tokyo in early 2024 – believed to be earmarked for his first event.

Asked whether he had been brought to the Lumpinee Stadium specifically to set up a debut clash should “The Iron Man” have won, Takeru smiled.

“Of course,” he said, laughing.

Despite Superlek handing Rodtang his first Muay Thai or kickboxing defeat in ONE Championship – albeit after a controversial knockdown which has prompted fierce debate among fans – Takeru still feels the fight is the right one to make.
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