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He’s been called the greatest of his generation and Tawanchai PK.Saenchai rightfully delivered at the historic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.
Tawanchai made the first defense of his ONE featherweight Muay Thai world title a memorable one when he ended Jamal Yusupov in the first round of their showdown at ONE Fight Night 7: Andrade vs. Lineker II.
Maintaining his stoic approach to the match, Tawanchai started with a few push kicks just to keep his distance against the Turkish star.
Tawanchai wasn’t swinging for the fences in the fight and instead utilized the simpler strikes to do the damage. Without any set-up whatsoever, the 23-year-old launched a cracking leg kick that immediately paralyzed Yusupov.
The shot to Yusupov’s right kick had so much damage behind it that referee Olivier Coste proceeded to stop the match 49 seconds into the first round.
While the situation had pressure written all over it, Tawanchai’s return to Bangkok’s Lumpinee Boxing Stadium might just be the best fight he’s had in his brilliant career.
The Thai phenom also collected a cool $50,000 bonus from ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong for his incredible finish.
During his post-fight interview with Mitch Chilson, Tawanchai PK.Saenchai expressed his gratitude to Sityodtong as well as those who made the trip for his homecoming at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium:
“Yes, I would like to thank all my fans who came here to support me today. This place, this Lumpinee Stadium means a lot to me. I was born here, this place is like Mecca for me. I feel very happy, I have nothing to say. I’m speechless but I’m super happy.”
Tawanchai PK.Saenchai admits losing sleep heading into fight with Yusupov
Although his fight against Jamal Yusupov lasted less than a minute, Tawanchai PK.Saenchai admitted that he went through a lot during the preparation for his world title defense.
Tawanchai, who won the gold from Pethmorakot Petchyindee at ONE 161, told Chilson that he worked relentlessly on improving his leg kicks.
He admitted, though, that he felt the pressure heading into the fight against Yusupov:
“This is the plan that I’ve been planning for three months and I’ve been losing sleep for this fight but I did it. I don’t want to disappoint any Thai fans. Every fight that I do, whether I’m doing the championship or not is very meaningful to me.”
