“I have more time to prepare” - Jo Nattawut believes he’s better equipped to run it back with Tawanchai

Jo Nattawut lost to Tawanchai PK Saenchai in their first encounter but not after giving his opponent a tough time with little preparation. That is why in their scheduled rematch next month, he is confident of coming up with an even better performance and winning as he's had more time to work on his game.

The veteran Thai fighter will challenge Tawanchai for his ONE featherweight Muay Thai world title on June 7 at ONE 167 at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand. It is a rematch of their highly competitve featherweight kickboxing duel back in October when the PK Saenchai Muay Thai Gym standout narrowly edged out 'Smokin' Jo to win by decision.

Nattawut came in as a late-replacement opponent for Superbon, who was supposed to challenge Tawanchai in a Muay Thai title clash but had to withdraw because of injury. Despite the short notice, the 34-year-old Thai Top Team athlete still gave his 25-year-old opponent a run for his money.

Given how the situation now is different as he runs it back with Tawanchai, with a full camp and all, Jo Nattawut said he will be packing more heat.

He told Sportsmanor in an interview:

"In the first fight, I think it was so much harder because I took the fight on short notice. But for this one, I have a full camp. And if I have a full camp, I have more time to prepare and bring a better game."

Watch the interview below:

Jo Nattawut was last in action in December, defeating American Luke Lessei by unanimous decision in their featherweight Muay Thai showdown.

ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut will air live and for free in U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.

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Tawanchai vows to have his A-game against "better" Jo Nattawut in rematch

Tawanchai PK Saenchai got more than what he expected in his first encounter against Jo Nattawut. That is why in their scheduled rematch at ONE 167 on June 7 in Thailand, he has vowed to bring his A-game against an opponent who is even more prepared.

The reigning ONE featherweight Muay Thai wold champion will defend his title against 'Smokin' Jo, who stepped in on short notice but still gave him a hard time before he notched a decision victory in their kickboxing clash last October.

With Nattawut having the benefit of a full training camp for ONE 167, Tawanchai sees another barnburner and he is making sure he is better prepared for it.

He told Sportskeeda MMA in an interview:

"I can't predict how this fight will unfold, but I can promise you that I will be at my very best in this fight."

ONE 167 will mark the third time that Tawanchai will be defending the featherweight Muay Thai gold. The most recent was against fellow Thai superstar Superbon in December, where he won by majority decision.