After the widely successful night at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium last Friday, the media had some burning questions for Chatri Sityodtong regarding Takeru. The Japanese kickboxing star was sitting ringside watching the spectacle unfold that was Rodtang against Superlek.
Chatri isn't sure who's next for Takeru yet. While Rodtang and Superlek are both in the conversation, Takeru might also face someone else for his debut fight. ONE Championship's return to Tokyo, Japan has been "100% confirmed" for next year, with no further information given yet. He also doesn't rule out the possibility that Takeru will eventually throw down in 4-ounce gloves.
Combat Industries was curious if ONE would be ready to measure up against fighters from rival promotion K-1, and Chatri wasn't afraid to let everyone know what he thought about the Japanese promotion.
"Honestly like… It's a tiny organization, and the level is very low. I mean… the level of striking is very low. That's all I'm going to say. That's why Takeru, the best striker in K-1 wants to leave and come to here. If you're an expert striker, you understand what I'm talking about. The level is very low."
Chatri has been vocal about being open to co-promote with the UFC, and the UFC only.
In an interview with the MMA Hour earlier this year, Chatri talked about other promotions just not being big enough to be in the conversation, "Look, again, if you look at the largest players in the combat sports industry, pure facts and figures. Forget about marketing. Pure facts and figures. The Nielsen industry report, if you’re a fan and don’t know anything, go look at the followers that ONE has."
"It's very clear there are two big giants – one in the east and one in the west."
