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ONE featherweight Muay Thai champion Tawanchai wants a spot in the upcoming Openweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix, which is slated to take place in 2023.
CEO Chatri Sityodtong revealed his plans for the tournament during the ONE Fight Night 6 on Prime Video press conference in January. The World Grand Prix will consist of 16 competitors, with the winner receiving a US$1 million cash prize.
When asked if he'd be interested in taking part in the historic Openweight Muay Thai Grand Prix, Tawanchai told ONE:
"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."
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Already, world-class strikers like Rodtang Jitmuangnon, Superbon Singha Mawynn, Jonathan Haggerty, and Liam Harrison have been mentioned as possible participants.
Watch Chatri Sityodtong's full ONE Fight Night 6 press conference below:
Tawanchai teases a future at featherweight in three sports
For now, Tawanchai is aiming his focus towards defending his featherweight Muay Thai belt against Jamal Yusupov at ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video.
After that, the 23-year-old plans on competing for a kickboxing belt and maybe even an MMA world championship. He told the promotion:
“My current goal is to win a kickboxing title and also defend my Muay Thai title. I’d like to focus on these two sports for now. I’d also love to win against all the great fighters in the world.”
The Thai striker is 4-1 inside the circle, with victories over Sean Clancy, Saemapetch Fairtex, Niclas Larsen, and most recently, Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy.
Meanwhile, Yusupov is 3-0 under the ONE Championship banner. However, he has fought just three times since joining the promotion back in 2019.
Make sure to tune in to ONE Fight Night 7 on February 24 to watch Tawanchai look to defend his featherweight Muay Thai championship against incoming challenger Jamal Yusupov, live from the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Thailand.
The entire event will be aired live and for free to all Prime Video subscribers in North America.
