Tawanchai PK.Saenchai may have his hands full at the moment, but that hasn’t stopped the hard-hitting Thai from thinking about the future.
The ONE featherweight muay Thai world champion will defend his title for the first time at “ONE Fight Night 7: Lineker vs. Andrade II,” when he takes on Turkish veteran Jamal Yusupov at the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand – an event that streams live in North America Friday night on Amazon Prime Video.
While the 23-year-old’s immediate focus is strictly on that tilt, he can’t help but notice ONE Championship is making some big moves in the muay Thai space – and he wants to be in the center of it.
One of the biggest announcements the promotion has dropped in recent times is the planned $1 million openweight muay Thai grand prix – a showcase that Tawanchai would love to be a part of.
“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,” he said.
While he would love the chance to compete against heavier athletes for a life-changing financial prize, that doesn’t necessarily mean he is motivated to change weight classes permanently in search of more gold.
Tawanchai currently reigns over a featherweight muay Thai division brimming with talent, which includes his fellow countrymen Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong and Superbon Singha Mawynn, as well as Yusupov.
Given the plethora of world-class contenders who are snapping at his heels, Saenchai’s protege sees no need to consider jumping weight classes in search of more gold.
“I like being in this weight class. It’s a popular one. It’s pretty massive. There are so many top fighters in the world who are in this weight class. I want to face all of these incredible fighters. It’s a way to prove myself, that I can stand among the top-ranking fighters,” he said.
That said, he wouldn’t mind winning a world title in another sport, as long as it would still be in his own weight category.
In recent times, several fighters have made the switch between sports to add to their legacies – particularly in the striking arts. Stamp Fairtex, Sam-A Gaiyanghadao and Regian Eersel are some examples of fighters who have ruled over their respective Muay Thai and kickboxing divisions.
Tawanchai plans to join that exclusive club.
The PK.Saenchai Muay Thai Gym representative – if successful against Yusupov – would like to add a kickboxing world championship to his trophy case.
“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,” he said.
Until then, the plan is continual improvement in his craft – and he plans to show his growth at ONE Fight Night 7 and beyond.
Above all, the proud Thai superstar just wants to represent his sport on the global stage.
“You’ll definitely see a new and improved version of me, not only this year, but also in the years to come,” he said. “I’ll keep showing the world the beauty of authentic muay Thai striking techniques.”
