ONE Championship: Tawanchai aims to reach similar heights as Muay Thai icons Saenchai, Buakaw, and Rodtang
ONE featherweight Muay Thai world champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai aims to continue with his ascent in the sport and if possible reach the legendary status of fellow Thai fighters Saenchai, Buakaw Banchamek and Rodtang Jitmuangnon.
The 25-year-old Pattaya native made this known in an interview with ONE Championship, giving focus on what said Muay Thai icons have achieved in the sport and what they mean in the community.
Tawanchai said:
"I would feel very honored if one day I can reach the same level and stand among the three of them, but I assure you that I will still be the same Tawanchai that everyone can easily reach, and I will work just as hard as before."
Saenchai and Buakaw are among the winningest and widely considered best Muay Thai fighters that sport has seen while the same goes for Rodtang, who is currently the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion.
Tawanchai looks to fortify his status as ONE world champion when he defends the featherweight Muay Thai world title at ONE 167 on June 7 at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand. He will go up against veteran 'Smokin' Jo Nattawut.
It will be the second time that he is facing Nattawut after their tightly fought kickboxing showdown last October, where he won by unanimous decision.
ONE 167 will mark Tawanchai's third defense of the belt he won in September 2022.
The event will air live and for free in U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.
Tawanchai taking note of Nattawut's crisp boxing in rematch
Tawanchai PK Saenchai has learned his lesson of not taking for granted the skills of Jo Nattawut, particularly the latter's crisp boxing, as he gears up for their rematch on June 7 at ONE 167 in Bangkok, Thailand.
The two first collided in a highly competitive kickboxing clash back in October, where the PK Saenchai Gym standout won by unanimous decision but not after going through the wringer.
Tawanchai admitted that he underestimated the capabilities of 'Smokin' Jo, something he has vowed not to have a repeat in their rematch, where he will stake his ONE featherweight Muay Thai belt.
He made special mention of Nattawut's boxing skills, telling ONE Championship in an interview:
"Strong punches, I'll have to be extra careful with that in this rematch."
Tawanchai successfully defended his world title last December against fellow Thai superstar Superbon, winning by majority decision.
Looking to dethrone him is Nattawut, who is coming off a unaninimous decision victory over American Luke Lessei also back in December.