Tawanchai PK.Saenchai’s Incredible Run In ONE Championship So Far
Tawanchai PK.Saenchai has bludgeoned his way to the top since making his ONE Championship debut in 2021.
Currently riding a three-fight winning streak, the reigning ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion will make his first defense of the belt against Jamal Yusupov at ONE Fight Night 7: Lineker vs. Andrade on Prime Video on Friday, February 24.
Although the Turkish challenger is a dangerous puncher, Tawanchai has proven to be clinical with three knockouts among his four victories inside the Circle, so he’ll be more than ready for a potential firefight.
As we look ahead to this exciting World Title showdown in Bangkok, let’s relive all of the Thai’s ONE Championship wins, in which he’s blended impeccable technical prowess with concussive power to claim the gold.
#1 An Epic Knockout Debut
Tawanchai’s first appearance inside the Circle came in a bantamweight clash against WBC Muay Thai World Champion Sean “Clubber” Clancy at ONE: DANGAL in May 2021.
The Thai slickster battered Clancy’s body with kicks in round one, before sending him to the canvas with an uppercut-cross combination. The durable Irishman survived, but the outlook wasn’t going to get any better.
Tawanchai outstruck his foe from the outside in round two to showcase his versatility – and then dialed up the intensity again in round three.
When “Clubber” tried to wade in with punches, the P.K. Saenchai Muay Thai Gym representative whipped up a devastating left high kick that sent his man down and out.
Fans were thrilled by Tawanchai’s debut fight, but he was far from finished.
#2 Shocks Saemapetch In First Round
Following a close split-decision loss to one of the greatest strikers of all time in Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong, Tawanchai returned in a rescheduled catchweight match against Saemapetch Fairtex at ONE: HEAVY HITTERS in January 2022.
Saemapetch was the #1-ranked bantamweight Muay Thai contender and owned recent wins over the likes of Kulabdam Sor. Jor. Piek Uthai and Rodlek PK.Saenchai.
However, Tawanchai was always a step ahead of his compatriot. The 23-year-old kept the heavy puncher at bay with his jab and push kicks, and then started to increase the pressure.
Pushing Saemapetch back to the Circle Wall, the younger man dropped him with a high kick, followed by a right hand. When the Fairtex athlete returned to his feet, Tawanchai blitzed him with even more punches – sealing the deal with his renowned left cross to score the KO.
This was a massive victory against a highly regarded adversary, but it was also the moment that saw Tawanchai change course and move up to featherweight for good.
#3 Finishes Larsen To Earn World Title Shot
Tawanchai stepped back into the Circle in a ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Title eliminator match against Niclas “Dreamchaser” Larsen at ONE 158 in June 2022.
Larsen hoped to overwhelm his opponent with early aggression, but the Thai technician was never fazed. “Dreamchaser” repeatedly walked into fists and shins when he tried to close the distance, and he went back to his corner with lots to think about.
Larsen decided on the same strategy for round two, but again, Tawanchai smashed his midsection with kicks and picked him apart with punches.
After a buildup of damage, a right hook-left straight combination felled the Danish striker – and that was it. Larsen couldn’t make it back up, while Tawanchai earned the knockout and a shot at gold.
#4 Dethrones Petchmorakot In Tense Battle
At ONE 161 in September 2022, Tawanchai got his shot at ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Petchmorakot Petchyindee.
The longtime king had owned the throne for almost three years, but Tawanchai wrested it away in a thrilling battle between masters of the sport.
The challenger let rip with push kicks and left hands, while Petchmorakot fired back with low kicks and right hands.
Midway through the contest, the defending titleholder took his game to the next level, scoring with hard combinations and controlling matters in the clinch. That left Tawanchai with some ground to make up in the fifth frame, but astonishingly, he did just that.
The P.K. Saenchai Muay Thai Gym representative smashed his left hand and left kick into his opponent’s head and body throughout the last round, making a strong final impression on the judges.
Although it was close, Tawanchai earned the unanimous decision nod and left the Circle with the gold belt over his shoulder.
Now, he’s ready to defend it against Yusupov in what should be another epic encounter between the new king and the dangerous challenger who’s yet to lose in ONE Championship.
