"Takeru" speaks frankly about "Rodtang" after successfully avenging his loss, capturing the ONE interim world championship, and ending his career.
On 29 April 2026, Takeru Sekigawa, a 34-year-old Japanese superstar fighter, opened up after knocking out Rodtang Jitmuangnon in the main event of ONE Samurai 1 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
Takeru Sekigawa perfectly avenged his previous loss by knockout to Rodtang at 1:20 in ONE 172 held in Thailand on 23 March 2025. He then knocked out Rodtang at 2:22 of the 5th round to claim the ONE interim flyweight kickboxing world championship belt and grandly close out his fighting career as planned.
On stage, Takeru spoke about his final fight and his last opponent, Rodtang Jitmuangnon: "I have lost many times in ONE and have disappointed everyone."
"But today at Ariake Arena, with a large audience, thank you very much. I want to say many things, but above all, I am very happy."
"Thank you very much, Rodtang, for agreeing to fight in this match. Without Rodtang, this farewell fight wouldn’t have been the best I’ve ever had."
"Now I am at peace. I have worked hard every day over the past few years with one goal: to win this championship belt. I thank myself for achieving it, and I thank ONE and everyone who made this fight possible."
"I had a strong desire to defeat Rodtang, the strongest man in this ONE division. My last loss was one of the most shameful defeats of my career. That’s why I wanted to avenge it."
"Today I am very glad to fight Rodtang in my final match. I fought with all my strength for myself, and I wanted to win without any regrets afterward. I avenged my loss and claimed the championship belt so everyone could see."
