Tawanchai talks about returning home a world champion

2022 was a standout year for Tawanchai PK.Saenchai. It saw him realize his dream of becoming a world champion.

After ending 2021 with a loss, he rebounded in emphatic fashion last year, producing two spectacular knockouts and a decision win over Petchmorakot to be crowned the ONE featherweight Muay Thai world champion.

After defeating Petchmorakot in September at ONE 161 in Singapore, Tawanchai returned to Thailand victorious.

In an interview with ONE Championship, he spoke about being proud of his accomplishments, not just for himself but for the glory that he has brought back to his team:

“I can’t even describe what I’m feeling. I'm very grateful for all the support I received from all my friends at the camp. I’m also relieved that I’ve successfully brought the victory back for them.”

At ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video, he has an opportunity to add another iconic moment to his career.

On February 24, he will defend his featherweight Muay Thai world championship in front of his supporters inside the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Facing Russia’s Jamal Yusupov in his first title defense, the champion will compete in the co-main event of the evening. The entire card will stream live and free to watch for North American viewers with an active Prime subscription.

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WATCH: Highlights from Tawanchai PK.Saenchai's total annihilation of Niclas Larsen

Tawanchai PK.Saenchai produced three great performances in 2022, which saw him awarded the Muay Thai Fighter of the Year honor.

Before he makes his first title defense at ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video, ONE Championship posted the highlights of his contest against Niclas Larsen. The performance set him up for a shot at the world championship.

After rebounding from his loss to Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong in August 2021 with a first-round KO over Saemaptech Fairtex, Tawanchai earned himself a fight with Larsen at ONE 158.

With Larsen stepping foot inside the circle for the very first time, he tried to steal his opponent's momentum, but that was always set to be a task far easier said than done.

With a dominant performance capped off by a second-round KO, there was only one man who could challenge for the world championship next time out.

Watch the highlights of Tawanchai PK.Saenchai defeating Niclas Larsen at ONE 158 below:

Despite his back-to-back wins, he walked into his fight against then-champion Petchmorakot Petchyindee as the clear underdog. With another emphatic performance, though, he claimed the world championship and ended the year on top of the sport, closing out an unforgettable 12 months in his career.