“It depends more on physical fitness” - Tawanchai addresses nine-year age gap between him and challenger Superbon

Tawanchai isn't reading much into the nine-year age gap between himself and Superbon.

In December 2023, Tawanchai scored a closely contested majority decision victory over Superbon to retain his ONE featherweight Muay Thai world championship. On Friday, January 24, the two P4P greats will run it back at ONE Championship heads to Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand for a stacked ONE 170 fight card.

Tawanchai goes into their highly anticipated rematch riding a seven fight win streak and 133 careeer wins to his credit — a pretty impressive stat for a fighter who's just 25 years old.

Meanwhile, Superbon, 34, enters his 153rd career fight with momentum after once again becoming the undisputed ONE featherweight kickboxing world champion.

Asked about the pair's significant age gap and whether his youth gives him an advantage against the kickboxing star, Tawanchai suggested that as long as both fighters go into their sequel scrap in top shape, age likely won't be a factor.

"About the age gap, I think it depends more on physical fitness," he said during the ONE 170 media day. "Age might have some effect, but if he is in good shape and I am in good shape, it should be fun."

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Tawanchai previews Superbon rematch: "I want to prove myself"

Despite already holding a victory over Superbon, Tawanchai is going into their rematch with a big chip on his shoulder — one he hopes to remedy by challenging Superbon for his ONE featherweight kickboxing crown just as soon as they take care of a bit of business in the art of eight limbs.

"If I can get through this fight, I want to ask for a ticket to fight for kickboxing gold," he said. "I want to prove myself because many people look down on me that I can't fight in kickboxing."

Tawanchai's experience in kickboxing has been undeniably limited, but to his credit, he is 2-0 under the ONE Championship banner with wins over 'Smokin' Jo Nattawut and former GLORY Kickboxing titleholder Davit Kiria.

If Tawanchai bags a second straight win against Tawanchai in Muay Thai, do you want to see him challenge Superbon for the featherweight kickboxing belt later this year?

ONE Championship fans can catch ONE 170 live on Friday, January 24 at watch.onefc.com.