Former ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title challenger Jacob Smith from the United Kingdom has expressed doubts about Takeru Segawa’s chances in a rematch against Rodtang Jitmuangnon. The talks about a potential sequel between these elite 135-pound strikers started gaining momentum following ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri.
After suffering a devastating 80-second knockout loss to Rodtang in March, Takeru bounced back with a dominant second-round TKO victory over Denis ‘The Bosnian Menace’ Puric at Ariake Arena. In a post-fight interview, Takeru announced that his next fight will be the final one of his illustrious career and called out Rodtang for a rematch, hoping he would be his last opponent.
Rodtang, who was present at the event in Tokyo, accepted Takeru’s challenge and agreed to the rematch. ONE Championship also shared a clip of Takeru’s impressive win on social media, showcasing his return to form.
However, Jacob Smith, who also tasted defeat against Rodtang in a grueling five-round battle last year, doesn’t believe that Takeru will emerge victorious in the rematch. Despite Takeru’s stellar performance against Puric, Smith is convinced that Rodtang will once again come out on top. Smith left a comment on the post stating, “Rodtang ends him again with ease.”
On the other hand, Denis Puric, the fighter who Takeru defeated in his recent bout, has extended his support to the Japanese star in his quest to defeat Rodtang. Despite their intense battle at ONE 173, Puric showed sportsmanship in defeat and even offered to assist Takeru in preparing for the rematch. Puric, who also faced Rodtang previously, praised Takeru’s strength and warrior spirit, stating, “You’re a warrior. You’re the best. If you need help to beat Rodtang, I can help. You’re very strong.”
The dynamic between these fighters sets the stage for an intriguing rematch between Takeru and Rodtang, with contrasting opinions from former opponents adding to the anticipation. As the countdown to the highly anticipated showdown begins, fans eagerly await to see if Takeru can overcome the odds and emerge victorious against the formidable Rodtang.
In conclusion, the rematch between Takeru and Rodtang promises to be a thrilling battle between two elite strikers, with support and doubts coming from unexpected sources. The outcome of this showdown will have a significant impact on the legacy of both fighters, making it a must-watch event for fans of Muay Thai and kickboxing.
This article has been edited by Saiyed Adeem Karim.
