Rodtang and Takeru ‘have already signed to fight’, date and venue set says Chatri

Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Takeru Segawa have already signed bout agreements to face each other, ONE Championship boss Chatri Sityodtong has revealed.
ONE’s chairman and CEO confirmed a date and a venue is already set – should the two win their respective upcoming fights.
Japanese kickboxing icon Takeru is set to return against Myanmar’s Thant Zin at ONE Friday Fights 81 this weekend inside Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium, while Thail superstar Rodtang is slated for a title defence in a rematch with Britain’s Jacob Smith at ONE 169 in Atlanta.
“Yes, if Takeru wins on Friday and Rodtang wins his next fight, then 100 per cent Rodtang and Takeru are fighting,” Chatri said during Tuesday’s virtual press conference for ONE Friday Fights 81.
“They have agreed already – we have a date and a venue, we’re just not announcing it yet. We want to see the outcome. 
“They’ve already signed bout agreements and they’re ready to face each other, but I wouldn’t count their chickens before they hatch. 
“They’ve got some tough fights ahead. But yes, they’ve already both agreed to fight each other next.”
Takeru was set to debut in ONE against “The Iron Man” at ONE 166 in Tokyo in January, but Rodtang withdrew injured. 
The 33-year-old went on to face flyweight kickboxing champion Superlek Kiatmookao, who took a unanimous decision and left “The Natural Born Crusher” needing a lengthy spell on the sidelines to heal his battered and bruised leg.
Takeru is now a huge favourite this Friday against Zin, who has two knockout wins in Muay Thai at ONE Lumpinee to his name – but Chatri defended the matchmaking.
“Takeru first of all is a very aggressive fighter, and he asked to fight with a dangerous fighter,” Chatri added. 
“He likes to throw these powerful leg kicks. Thant Zin, even though he is a younger generation and doesn’t have as much experience, he has very accurate weapons and always shows his aggressiveness to fight, 
“This matchup is perfect because they have similar styles, even though it’s kickboxing. Takeru has a reputation to protect and Thant Zin is hungry to earn a reputation and fame for himself as well, so this is going to be a spectacular fight to look forward to.”