Jamal Yusupov comments on Tawanchai’s skills ahead of world title clash

Turkish fighter Jamal Yusupov knows what he is up against as he tries to seize the ONE featherweight Muay Thai world title later this month and is preparing hard for it.

The veteran Hyperion Fighters affiliate will take on reigning champion Tawanchai PK.Saenchai in the co-headlining fight at ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video on February 24 in Bangkok.

Jamal Yusupov is no stranger to competing in big fights before entering ONE three and a half years ago, having battled in top-level kickboxing competitions in Russia and different parts of Europe. He, however, recognizes that Tawanchai is going to be a different beast than he should be ready for.

He told ONE Championship:

“He is a young, tough opponent. I can point out that he is quick on his feet, and he works very well with his legs.”

Jamal Yusupov debuted in the promotion in November 2019 and has compiled a 3-0 record. His last victory was over Jo Nattawut in July last year, where he won by unanimous decision.

Tawanchai, meanwhile, is making his first title defense after seizing the featherweight Muay Thai gold from former champion Petchmorakot Petchyindee by unanimous decision last September.

ONE Fight Night 7 will take place at the famed Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. All the action in the event will be aired live and for free to all Prime Video subscribers in North America.

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WATCH: Jamal Yusupov upsets legendary Muay Thai fighter Yodsanklai

Turkish Muay Thai fighter Jamal Yusupov made an explosive ONE Championship debut back in November of 2019, knocking out legend Yodsanklai IWE in the second round of their fight.

ONE recently looked back at the moment by posting a video on its YouTube channel with a caption which read:

“Before Turkish striking sensation Jamal Yusupov challenges ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK.Saenchai on February 24, relive his shocking finish of Thai legend Yodsanklai IWE Fairtex in 2019!”

Watch the full video below:

While packing much experience as a fighter in Russia and other parts of Europe, Yusupov was considered the underdog against Yodsanklai. However, once the fight started, ‘Yeniceri’ did not waste time introducing himself with accurate strikes that steadily tore down the Thai star.

It all ended late in the second round when Yusupov connected with a solid left that instantly sent Yodsankai to the canvas and could not recover.

He followed it up with two more victories that pushed him up in the rankings where he is currently at number two, earning a shot at the title against reigning ONE featherweight Muay Thai world champion Tawanchai PK.Saenchai.