Rodtang Wants To Face Tenshin Nasukawa After Triumph In Tokyo
Rodtang “Iron Man” Jitmuangnon wants a dream rematch with a superstar of Japanese martial arts.
Fresh off another stunning ONE Super Series performance against Hakim Hamech at ONE: A NEW ERA, his attention was quickly turned to talk of his old rival, Tenshin Nasukawa.
The Thai athlete faced the Tokyo native last June in Chiba, and many fans believed Rodtang did enough to consign his opponent to the first defeat of his professional career. However, the decision went Tenshin’s way after six rounds.
The 20-year-old southpaw had front-row seats at the Ryogoku Kokugikan on Sunday, March 31, fueling speculation that he might soon join The Home Of Martial Arts’ roster.
ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong was enthusiastic about the idea, and suggested that “Iron Man” could be the man to welcome Tenshin to ONE Super Series.
“If Tenshin joins ONE and he wants to face me, I also want redemption,” the 21-year-old adds.
“The last fight was so close, we even had to have an extra round, and I finally lost – though I don’t think I did.
“If Tenshin really comes to join ONE, I am ready to fight him whenever, whatever the rules are –Muay Thai or kickboxing.”
If he is thrust into that marquee match-up, Rodtang says he expects to raise his game.
True to form, the two-time Omnoi Stadium Muay Thai World Champion engaged in an all-action, fast-paced battle with his French adversary at ONE: A NEW ERA.
However, the Bangkok native was dissatisfied with his display.
“I am not happy with my performance for this fight – it was not really good,” he explains.
“I could not fully train because I got injured, so I had to take a break. My opponent, Hakim Hamech was good.”
Despite his difficulties, Rodtang bravely competed with the intensity fans have come to expect from him in the world’s largest martial arts organization.
He absorbed heavy strikes throughout the flyweight Muay Thai clash, but he always returned fire with a variety of techniques.
In fact, despite his limited preparation in the gym, his ability to maintain pressure with punches, knees, and elbows in the final round as Hamech started to fade saw him emerge with the victory via split decision.
Though he got the win, Rodtang is focused on making improvements for the next time he steps in the ring.
Whether that is against Tenshin or any other elite competitor, “Iron Man” is focused on entertaining the fans, getting his hand raised, and working towards the top prize in his sport.
“My goal is to do better in the next fight for ONE, and I hope I will get the opportunity to fight for the belt,” he adds.
