Takeru Segawa has warned Rodtang Jitmuangnon to make sure his weight is on point for their ONE Championship kickboxing super fight in Japan.
The pair will collide in the main event of ONE 172 on March 23 at Saitama Super Arena, though doubts persist around Rodtang’s ability to make weight.
ONE’s former flyweight Muay Thai champ lost his belt on the scale last month, after missing weight for the second consecutive fight.
Japanese kickboxing icon Takeru is hoping there is no drama this time, ahead one of the most highly anticipated fights of both men’s careers, and in the history of ONE.
“Be sure to make your condition 100 percent, and let’s do the best striking fight together in the ring,” Takeru said, when asked by the Bangkok Post to send a message to his rival.
Rodtang appears to be taking no chances, and has hired the renowned nutritionist Peter Miller of Condition Nutrition, who has helped multiple current and former ONE champions make weight comfortably.
“I believe that Rodtang will do his best to make weight and hydration, and I believe that he can do it,” Takeru added.
The super fight has been building for more than a year, having fallen through in January 2024 when Rodtang withdrew injured.
“It’s been a while,” Takeru said. “I’ve been waiting for this fight to happen and I’m very excited for this March. I will put everything I have into this fight.”
ONE Championship chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong seemed to float the idea of a possible trilogy between Rodtang and Takeru last week – including a Muay Thai bout.That idea drew short shrift from the former three division K-1 kickboxing champ, who has never competed in “the art of eight limbs”.
“No!” the 33-year-old said, laughing, when the suggestion was put to him.
