"I've always wanted to fight in Lumpinee" - Japanese star Takeru says fighting at 'The Mecca of Muay Thai' is a dream come true
Japanese striking star Takeru Segawa is heading out of his home country for his second bout in ONE Championship, and he's embracing the opportunity to compete in an iconic venue.
At ONE Friday Fights 81: Superbon vs. Nattawut this Friday, September 27, 'The Natural Born Crusher' will compete in a flyweight kickboxing bout against Myanmar's Thant Zin inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
The 33-year-old has been a fixture in the competitive Japanese martial arts circuit, and it was no surprise that he would make his promotional debut at ONE 165. The event marked the world's largest martial arts organization's return to Japan for the first time since 2019.
During the virtual press conference for ONE Friday Fights 81, Takeru was asked if he was surprised to be competing in Thailand instead of being more prominent in another event in Japan.
"No, I do not fixate on the place or arena. And in the first place, I've always wanted to fight in Lumpinee. And this time, I got the chance to fight in the Lumpinee, it makes me very happy. For this fight in Lumpinee, I'll be the one to take the victory."
The Lumpinee Stadium is one of the most revered venues of Muay Thai, and many strikers list fighting there at least once on their bucket lists as fighters. Expect the very best from Takeru as he aims to impress in his first appearance inside "The Mecca of Muay Thai'."
ONE Friday Fights 81 will air live in Asian primetime via watch.onefc.com
Showdown with Rodtang looms for Takeru
Takeru may have performed mostly in Japan, but his popularity in the sport of kickboxing has transcended borders and sports. So much so that ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang 'The Iron Man' Jitmuangnon called him out even before he joined ONE.
Once the Team Vasileus athlete signed with the promotion, it was only a matter of time before their paths would cross. They were initially scheduled to cross paths at ONE 165 last January, but an injury to 'The Iron Man' prevented the blockbuster showdown from taking place.
However, it appears that both men are on a collision course once again. Rodtang, who will compete at ONE 169: Atlanta in November to defend his belt, said that he is already waiting and ready to go at it with the Japanese star.
Meanwhile, ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong revealed in the virtual press conference that the pair have indeed signed a fight agreement and will fight each other after their respective bouts.
Stay tuned for more updates on when the Rodtang-Takeru fight will take place!