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ONE Championship highlighted Tawanchai PK.Saenchai’s power by posting a video of the knockout he effected against Niclas Larsen.
In June 2022, Tawanchai earned his shot at becoming the ONE featherweight Muay Thai champion by defeating Larsen. The 23-year-old came off a first-round knockout win against Saemapetch Fairtex and needed more momentum before fighting for a world title.
Tawanchai secured that momentum with a statement win against Larsen. In the second round, the fighter landed a massive left hand that ended the fight. ONE shared the highlight on Instagram with the caption:
“Tawanchai PK.Saenchai makes it look effortless 😳 The featherweight Muay Thai king defends his throne against Jamal Yusupov at ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video! 🔥 @tawanchay_pk”
After defeating Larsen at ONE 158, Tawanchai took on Petchmorakot Petchyindee for the featherweight Muay Thai World Championship in September. The 23-year-old pulled off an upset and ended the calendar year as the Muay Thai and Breakout Fighter of the Year. It’s been a long journey for the Thai superstar, but he’s finally reached the top of the mountain.
Watch Tawanchai PK.Saenchai knockout Niclas Larsen below:
Tawanchai PK.Saenchai discusses why he started Muay Thai
For some Muay Thai fighters from Thailand, the “art of eight limbs” is the only way to get their families out of poverty. Before Tawanchai PK.Saenchai became a world champion, he started his fighting career for a similar reason. ONE Championship posted Tawanchai’s Muay Thai origin story, and he had this to say:
“I had a rough childhood. My dad used to live comfortably, but he went bankrupt and had to sell everything. After that I began to train Muay Thai. I competed for the first time when I was just seven years old, I won by first-round knockout. It was a three-round fight in a bar.”
The next step in Tawanchai’s fighting career will be at the same venue where he made a name for himself, the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. The 23-year-old will look to defend his featherweight Muay Thai world championship against Jamal Yusupov on ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video co-headliner. The event can be witnessed live by North American Prime Video subscribers without any extra charges.
