Takeru Says Defeating Rodtang His Last Task As Fighter Before Retirement

Takeru Segawa is not retiring quietly. He is going out swinging, and he already knows exactly who he wants to put to sleep.

The most iconic figure in Japanese kickboxing makes his final professional appearance on April 29 in the main event of ONE SAMURAI 1 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan, where he challenges Thai superstar Rodtang Jitmuangnon for the ONE Interim Flyweight Kickboxing World Title.

It is a rematch of their ONE 172 meeting in March 2025, which ended in 80 seconds when Rodtang produced one of the most startling knockouts in recent ONE Championship memory.

For Takeru, that night changed everything.

"Throughout my career, I had never lost a fight as quickly as that. The fire for revenge is there. Hence, this is why I believe this is my last task as a fighter," the 34-year-old said.

The three-division K-1 Champion has two wins from four ONE Championship appearances and a 45-5 career record built at the very summit of the sport.

None of those numbers, however, carry the weight of what happened in those 80 seconds. Takeru has felt that result every single day since, and it has crystallized into the most specific and personal goal of his career.

"I have knocked out many fighters not easily stopped by a knockout. So, this will be my target. I want to defeat him by KO to end my career perfectly," he said.

Beyond the revenge and the personal stakes, Takeru sees something greater in this matchup.

Two fighters who have never once taken a backwards step in their careers, meeting in the one of the most iconic arena Japanese combat sports has ever seen, with everything on the line.

"We can provide fans the greatest slugfest that they want to see. I'm confident I will emerge as a winner, and it'll be memorable to defeat him in the world's best slugfest," he said.