Tawanchai doesn’t want to disappoint hometown crowd in first world title defense

Tawanchai PK.Saenchai is just days away from the first defense of his ONE featherweight Muay Thai world championship.

After capturing the title with a spectacular performance against Petchmorakot Petchyindee at ONE 161 in September, the Thai warrior will return home to defend his crown in front of a hometown crowd at the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok.

In an interview with ONE Championship, Tawanchai discussed the importance of defending his title at the legendary venue at ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video:

“It’s very encouraging for me to fight where I spent a lot of time in, where all the fans can come to support me. I’ll put all my effort into this fight. I don’t want my fans to be disappointed in me.”

Hoping to end Tawanchai’s ONE world title reign early is No. 2 ranked contender Jamal Yusupov. Fighting out of Turkey, ‘Yeniceri’ is undefeated inside the circle, having earned three straight victories on his way to a world title opportunity against the 23-year-old titleholder. 16 years older than his opponent, Yusupov will enter the bout with an experience advantage, but youth will undoubtedly be on the side of the defending champion.

Fans can catch the highly anticipated co-main event clash live and for free on Amazon Prime Video in North America.

---

Tawanchai would love to test his mettle in ONE’s openweight Muay Thai tournament

In January, ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong set the combat sports world ablaze when he announced the promotion would introduce an Openweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix tournament this year. The tournament will feature 16 fighters from any weight class testing their striking skills against the best in the world.

If things go Tawanchai’s way, he will be part of the historic tournament that will see the victor walk away with $1 million and ultimate bragging rights:

"I think it’s absolutely exciting, an incredible tournament. I’d love to compete there. I’d never want to miss it. I’m very interested. It sounds great and crazy at the same time. I’d really love to be in the tournament."

Thus far, Sinsamut Klinmee is the only man to have been confirmed for the tournament, but other exciting Muay Thai and kickboxing stars such as Rodtang, Superbon, Liam Harrison, and Jonathan Haggerty are rumored to be taking part in the festivities. Who would you like to see enter the openweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix later this year?