‘I’m Glad I Came Back Alive’ – Takeru Segawa Reflects On Epic TKO Over Rodtang And Emotional Retirement

Fans inside Tokyo’s Ariake Arena witnessed the perfect, poetic end to one of the greatest careers in combat sports history this past Wednesday, April 29, as Japanese kickboxing icon Takeru “Natural Born Krusher” Segawa closed the book on his legendary martial arts journey with a performance for the ages at ONE SAMURAI 1 . In a breathtaking main event that will be talked about for decades, the 34-year-old veteran defeated Thai megastar Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon via fifth-round TKO to capture the ONE Interim Flyweight Kickboxing World Title. The bout was an absolute war of attrition, but in the end, Takeru shattered Rodtang’s aura of invincibility.

The “Natural Born Krusher” dropped the Thai twice in a chaotic second round, and then he finished the job with two more staggering knockdowns to secure the stoppage victory at the 2:22 mark of the final frame. View this post on Instagram Following his crowning achievement, Takeru laid his gloves on the canvas and delivered a tearful retirement speech to the millions of fans watching around the globe. Speaking at the post-fight press conference, the reality of the moment was still washing over the newly crowned ONE Interim Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion.

The Japanese superstar offered: “I’m just really happy, that’s all I can say. I didn’t think I’d still be fighting at 34, and I physically didn’t think I’d last. But thanks to the support of so many people, I was able to make it this far as a martial artist.

“I’m incredibly grateful to all the ONE staff. I’m truly happy that my final fight could be on this stage. ” View this post on Instagram Entering the ring against the most dangerous pressure fighter on the planet, Takeru carried the crushing weight of a nation’s expectations on his shoulders.