Tawanchai says Jamal Yusupov is such a tough opponent

At ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video, Tawanchai P.K. Saenchai will return to the Circle for his first world title defense.

The featherweight Muay Thai world champion had a breakthrough 2022 that saw him crowned the ONE Muay Thai Fighter of the Year and he’ll be looking to kick-off 2023 in similarly impressive fashion.

On February 24 in front of his home fans in Bangkok, Thailand, he will face Russia’s Jamal Yusupov in the co-main event of the evening. Despite his recent run of form that has seen him go all the way to the top of the sport, Tawanchai isn’t ready to overlook any opponents that stand across from him inside the circle.

Yusupov is undefeated under the ONE banner through his three appearances inside the Circle. His most recent win came in July last year, where he defeated Jo Nattawut via unanimous decision.

In an interview with ONE Championship, the world defending champion spoke about the strengths that his upcoming opponent brings to the table:

“[Yusupov’s] strength is heavy, strong punches. He hardly has any weaknesses. He’s one of the strongest fighters. You can’t underestimate him in any way.”

ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video on February 24 is live from the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium and airs live and is free to watch on Prime Video for Amazon subscribers across North America.

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“I’ve been working hard on myself” - Tawanchai is in constant pursuit of improvement as a fighter

Despite having the best year of his career in 2022, reigning ONE featherweight Muay Thai world champion Tawanchai PK.Saenchai refuses to rest on his laurels.

Whilst he may have already made it to the very top of the mountain, the world champion knows that in order to keep his place, he must continue to improve and evolve as a fighter.

In an interview with ONE Championship, he spoke about keeping himself motivated and on top of his game to make sure he keeps his place as the featherweight world champion:

“Since I joined ONE, I’ve been working hard on myself. I know which parts of me need change. I’ve identified my strengths and what the fans like, then adjusted accordingly. I’d do anything to improve myself, to fill in any hole I may have.”

Whatever Tawanchai is doing, there can be no denying that it is paying off for him. The 23-year old made a statement in 2022 by producing two knockout victories and dethroning Petchmorakot Petchyindee in a shock result.

As he prepares to kick off his 2023 with the first defense of his world championship, he will be hoping to accomplish even more in the coming months to ride the momentum of his success over the past year.