ONE featherweight Muay Thai world champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai is eyeing a successful defense of the crown against fellow Thai hero Superbon in the main event of ONE 170 on Jan. 24.
Lauded by combat sports fans for his striking prowess and immense fight IQ, a determined Tawanchai admitted that he could not stand to lose the throne to the 155-pound kickboxing king in an interview with the promotion. He said:
"I can't predict this fight. Because this is a fight between fighters of the same level. Whose skills are on par. But I still don't want to lose. I absolutely can't lose."
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Tawanchai already has an idea of what to expect from the founder of Superbon Training Camp after notching a majority decision victory over him in December 2023 to retain the featherweight Muay Thai world championship.
However, Superbon's countless hours in the gym have allowed him to evolve into an even more dangerous striker, as proven in his one-round thrashing of 'Smokin' Jo Nattawut last December.
Meanwhile, Tawanchai is pursuing a statement victory against the 34-year-old to make up for what he perceives to be a subpar, yet successful, defense of the gold against Nattawut at ONE 167 this past June.
Tawanchai prepared to deal with Superbon's strong kicks
Superbon made his name in the striking arts thanks to his incredible kicks, but Tawanchai has thoroughly scouted him and promised to be wary of them come ONE 170.
The PK Saenchai Muay Thai Gym affiliate recently told the world's largest martial arts promotion:
"The best weapon of Superbon is [his] kicking, and I've got to be very careful about his kicking skills."
ONE 170 will take place inside the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand. The event is available via watch.onefc.com.