As Rodtang Jitmuangnon Left Him Frustrated, Takeru Segawa Felt a “Strong Aura” From Superlek

Takeru Segawa may not be getting the fight he wanted in his upcoming ONE Championship debut. However, he will still be competing in a match everyone needs to see. At ONE 165 on Sunday, January 28, the Japanese striking superstar is set to challenge Superlek Kiatmoo9 for the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Championship.

The fight will take place inside the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. In a recent press conference, the striking pair got the chance to size each other up for the first time in a faceoff. Next, Takeru was asked what he thought about their interaction.

Takeru Segawa makes an intriguing statement about his opponent

While many thought Segawa would take the trash-talk route, he made an unexpected statement about his opponent. “He is a fighter who has taken the ONE Championship belt, and I felt a strong aura from him. I sensed strength in his eyes, and meeting him has increased my anticipation for the match,” he said.

Originally slated to fight ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon in a kickboxing super-fight, Takeru was recently informed he would be facing a different opponent after ‘The Iron Man’ suffered an injury during training.

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His new opponent is not some slouch. Rather, he is arguably even more dangerous than Rodtang. Superlek is on an incredible eight-fight win streak across Muay Thai and kickboxing in ONE. Moreover, his latest victory may be his biggest yet in the promotion, as he scored a unanimous decision victory over Rodtang at ONE Friday Fights 34. This fight broke multiple viewership records in Thailand and the rest of the world.

Takeru Segawa wanted to fight Rodtang Jitmuangnon

‘The Kicking Machine’ was slated to defend his strap against Elias Mahmoudi in this past weekend’s ONE Fight Night 18. However, the latter pulled out due to injury. Two canceled fights may have left fans disappointed, but they will get a treat on January 28. An epic clash between two of the world’s best strikers will go down as a result.

Takeru admits he was looking forward to Rodtang, but the multiple-time kickboxing World Champion is excited to still get the chance to compete in a high-stakes match in front of his countrymen.

“I have been preparing for months to face Rodtang, so there were feelings of frustration when he couldn’t participate,” he said. “However, considering that an exceptional opponent like Superlek was arranged and it’s a world title match, I felt there was no reason to decline this offer. Approaching each fight as if it could be my last, I have been training intensely.”

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“Even if this match marks the end of my career as a fighter, I believe I can still wear the belt proudly after the match, so I want to give it my all.” Who do you think takes the win in this fight? Let us know in the comments below.