WATCH: Sitthichai shows a young Tawanchai who's boss in a classic matchup between clinical Muay Thai superstars
Before ONE featherweight Muay Thai world champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai became an international star, he had an uphill battle against kickboxing legend Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong.
To be honest, the fans couldn't have seen a better example of a high-level Muay Thai fight than when these two former bantamweights collided at ONE: Battleground III.
Although Tawanchai was just a young 22-year-old prodigy at the time, he truly made Sitthichai, a former Lumpinee world champion, work hard for his victory.
Every shot Tawanchai threw, Sitthichai was there to catch a kick and counter with a combination of headshots. And every time Sitthichai engaged, Tawanchai unleashed his debilitating body kicks.
Going tit-for-tat for two rounds, it was certainly difficult to score the fight. But Sitthichai reminded Tawanchai who's boss in the final round, as he bullied the young star with sweeps, elbows, and striking combinations.
Watch Sitthichai bring his experience to the table against a young Tawanchai below:
Sitthichai is scheduled to deliver another cerebral performance at ONE 167, to face K-1 Kickboxing superstar Masaaki Noiri in another featherweight kickboxing barnburner.
Together, they join Tawanchai on the ONE 167 fight card as the latter attempts to defend his ONE featherweight Muay Thai world title against former kickboxing rival 'Smokin'' Jo Nattawut in the co-main event.
ONE 167 goes down at Impact Arena on June 7 and is available live and free to all Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.
"I have trained at 100%" - Thai superstar Sitthichai is determined to bounce back into the win column by beating newly-signed Masaaki Noiri at ONE 167
Sitthichai saw his two-fight win streak come to an end when he suffered back-to-back losses against Marat Grigorian via knockout and Mohammed Siasarani by decision.
Although he's been down on his luck, the 32-year-old veteran doesn't underestimate his own strengths as an elite kickboxer ahead of his showdown against Noiri.
Grateful to the company for offering him this fight, Sitthichai hopes he can fulfill expectations with a strong victory.
Previewing his June 7 fight with Noiri, 'Killer Kid' told Sportskeeda:
"I'm happy to be back in Thailand and also into the fight. I am intending to do my best, and I have trained very hard, I have trained at 100%, [I] would like to, you know, make the impressive performance for the fans, not to disappoint the fans."