“I was too cocky” - Tawanchai admits overconfidence got the better of him in first scrap vs Jo Nattawut
ONE featherweight Muay Thai world champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai admits that overconfidence got the better of him in his first fight with veteran Jo Nattawut. It is something he is looking to avoid in their rematch next month, more so since it will be a title clash.
The two Thai fighters first met in October last year in a featherweight kickboxing showdown, which the PK Saenchai Muay Thai Gym standout won by unanimous decision but not after being made to go through the wringer by 'Smokin' Jo.
Tawanchai looks to have a better grip of his clash with Nattawut at ONE 167: Stamp vs Zamboanga on June 7 at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, where he will put on the line the ONE featherweight Muay Thai belt.
In an interview with Sportskeeda MMA, the 25-year-old champion spoke about his performance last time around against Nattawut and how it served as a wake-up call for him.
He shared:
"What I've learned from the first fight is that I was too cocky. I will not make the same mistake again in this fight."
At ONE 167, Tawanchai will defend the ONE featherweight Muay Thai world title for the third time. He retained the belt in his last fight in December, defeating fellow Thai superstar Superbon by a majority decision.
Nattawut, meanwhile, is seeking to be crowned new champion and win his second straight match.
ONE 167: Stamp vs Zamboanga will be available live and for free in U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amzaon Prime Video subscription.
Tawanchai expects Jo Nattawut to be more formidable at ONE 167
Tawanchai PK Saenchai expects Jo Nattawut to be more formidable in their scheduled rematch on June 7 at ONE 167 in Thailand after having extended preparation unlike in their first encounter.
He highlighted this in an interview with Sportskeeda MMA, saying:
"I think we're looking forward to seeing Jo Nattawut in his best form. He's had time to train."
In their first scrap in October, Nattawut came in as a late replacement for Superbon, who had to withdraw from his title clash with Tawanchai because of a calf injury.
This time around Nattawut has had a lot of preparation in his quest to seize the ONE featherweight Muay Thai world title from the PK Saenchai Muay Thai Gym standout.