Segawa ended his career with a statement victory on April 29, defeating “Iron Man” Rodtang Jitmuangnon in the fifth round at ONE Samurai 1 in Tokyo to capture the interim ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Championship, overturning a one-sided loss from more than a year ago. The fight at Ariake Arena, which marked Takeru’s retirement fight, unfolded very differently from their first meeting in March 2025, when Rodtang knocked him out with a left hook in just 80 seconds at ONE Champions 172 at Saitama Super Arena.
From 80 seconds to five rounds
Their first fight was brief but decisive, with Rodtang dominating Takeru early, landing a clean left hook that ended the fight in the first round and earned him a $50,000 performance bonus while improving his record to 274-43. That result carried over into the rematch, with Takeru later admitting he wasn’t at his best that night and that the second run was both competitive and personal.
Fight Breakdown: Takedown, Recovery and Final Stop
The 28-year-old Luo Tang used the same approach as before in the first round, targeting Takeru’s chin and throwing a left hook to end their first fight, but the Japanese boxer representing Team Vasiles was better prepared this time, blocking and absorbing the shot before responding with kicks and counterattacks as the fight gradually settled into a rhythm. The decisive turn came in the second round when Takeru knocked Rodtang down twice with left hooks on separate occasions, forcing the Thai fighter to go eight-count twice, a moment worth noting considering Rodtang’s reputation for durability spanning over 300 fights. Luo Tang regained his composure in the third round, reestablishing his punching combinations after his forward push kick to the body, while Wu absorbed the pressure, smiling at times and gesturing for more exchanges as he continued to trade. The fourth round developed into a sustained exchange, with both fighters landing at close range, with Luo Tang finding success late in the round, but Wu responded in the final seconds with a sharp shot that snapped his opponent’s head back. At the end of the fifth round, Takeru’s right hand knocked down Rodtang, followed by a left hook and a right punch, sending him down for the count. Although Rodtang stood up again, the final right hand left him injured and tied up with the ropes. The referee stopped the fight with 37 seconds left in the game, officially recorded as 2 minutes and 22 seconds of the fifth round.
“Iron Man” rare suspension
The loss marked Luo Tang’s second career knockout loss and his first knockout in ONE Championship, with most of his setbacks occurring under different circumstances. His previous losses in the promotion include a unanimous decision victory over Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE Friday Fights 34 in September 2023, a weightless match after Superlek lost weight that allowed Rodtang to retain the Muay Thai world title, and a technical submission loss under special rules to Demetrious Johnson at ONE Over the course of his career, Rodtang has competed in over 300 fights and racked up over 270 wins, with most of his defeats coming early in his career before reaching the top level in Thailand, where he had won 14 straight fights in the ONE Championship.
Takeru’s final performance and career record
For the 34-year-old Takeru, the win capped a career that ended with a 46-5 record, the interim ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Championship and a reported performance bonus of 15 million yen (approximately $100,000). The victory was widely regarded as one of the best performances of his career, not only because of the result but also because of the way he absorbed early pressure, adjusted his tactics and beat an opponent known for his stamina.
Reactions and Immediate Consequences
The result sparked a strong reaction from fans and fighters alike, especially given Rotang’s reputation and the comparison to the first fight. “Omg! Takeru TKO’d Rodtang in the fifth round,” one fan wrote, while another added: “Oh my word, Takeru stopped Rodtang in the fifth round.” Retired kickboxer Liam Harrison said: “It’s absolutely crazy… wow.” Other reactions focused on the nature of the fight itself, with one comment writing: “Takeru just ate those punches, smiled, and knocked Rodtang out. That was peak cinema at the time and a great way for him to get revenge.” Another fan added: “Man this is the ending he deserves. He’s one of the most entertaining fighters in all of combat sports.” While Luo Tang’s supporters had the opposite reaction, saying: “Luo Tang has been looted.”
What happens as a result?
The rematch, more than a year in the making, turned the tide of their rivalry overnight, with Takeru leaving the sport as a world champion after avenging his most decisive loss, and Rodtang enduring one of the most significant losses of his career in a fight that tested his endurance over five rounds rather than ending in a single exchange.
