Tawanchai looks back at successful run in 2022

Tawanchai PK.Saenchai had a spectacular 2022 that saw the Thai star capture the ONE featherweight Muay Thai world championship.

Tawanchai will be back in action on February 24 to defend his title in the co-main event of ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video. Challenging him for his newly-acquired belt will be Turkish striker Jamal Yusupov. Ahead of their Muay Thai world title clash at the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Tawanchai looked back at his successful 2022 run in an interview with ONE Championship:

“For me, I have set my goal since I first entered ONE in 2022, that I’ll be known by fans around the world. I put maximum effort in each fight and have always wanted to do the best I can for my fans. It was a great year for me. I’m very proud of myself that people hold me in high regard.”

Tawanchai’s year began with impressive back-to-back knockouts against Saemapetch Fairtex and Niklas Larsen. Those two victories secured him the opportunity to challenge then-featherweight world champion Petchmorakot Petchyindee at ONE 161 in September. Rising to the occasion, Tawanchai earned a unanimous decision to capture his first ONE world title.

Tawanchai plans to carry the momentum he built last year into 2023 when he defends his world title for the first time against a fighter who is undefeated inside the Circle thus far.

Watch his highlight reel below:

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Tawanchai is wary of the power that Jamal Yusupov possesses

Tawanchai is very aware of the power that Jamal Yusupov brings with him to the Circle. With 54 career victories and three straight wins under the ONE Championship banner, the Turkish striker has established himself as a legitimate contender for the ONE featherweight Muay Thai world title.

Sharing his thoughts on Yusupov’s power, Tawanchai said:

“I have watched many of [Yusupov’s] fights. His punch is good. Our matchup would be exciting."

Tawanchai recognizes that if Yusupov can land clean on him, it could be the end of his ONE world title reign. On the flip side, the reigning titleholder knows that he possesses the power to put his opponent’s lights out. It’s just a matter of who gets there first:

"If he can manage to land a clean punch on me, I may get [knocked] out. But if he doesn’t, he would be the one who [goes to] sleep."

Fans in North America can watch the exciting ONE Fight Night 7 co-main event live and for free on Amazon Prime Video in U.S. Primetime on February 24.