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Tawanchai PK.Saenchai is expected to blow the roof off the Lumpinee Stadium when he makes his first featherweight Muay Thai world title defense against Jamal Yusupov at ONE Fight Night 7: Lineker vs. Andrade II.
Amazon Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada can witness the return of Lumpinee’s favorite son in Bangkok, Thailand, live on US primetime and free of charge this Friday, February 24.
After ascending through the ranks of ONE Championship’s most stacked Muay Thai division, Tawanchai definitely deserves a grand homecoming of epic proportions. At just 23 years of age, the Saenchai Muay Thai Gym standout already has over 160 fights under his belt.
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Tawanchai PK.Saenchai holds knockout victories over Sean Clancy, Saemapetch Fairtex, and Niclas Larsen inside the circle and unseated the mighty Petchmorakot Petchyindee in a classic five-round affair last year. Now, he’ll be taking on a hungry adversary with dynamite in his left hand.
The No.2-ranked Yusupov quietly made a case as Tawanchai’s rightful challenger after three straight victories inside the circle. ‘Yeniceri’ blasted Thai legend Yodsanklai IWE in his promotional debut, followed by masterclass performances over Samy Sana and Jo Nattawut.
The Turkish slugger enters this match-up with nothing to lose and everything to gain. Can he do the unthinkable and shock an entire arena by cutting Tawanchai’s reign short?
As always, Sportskeeda MMA’s panel of ONE Championship experts have methodically analyzed this upcoming Muay Thai war at ONE Fight Night 7.
Let’s have a look at their predictions for Tawanchai PK.Saenchai vs. Jamal Yusupov.
Vince Richards: Tawanchai PK.Saenchai by knockout
If there are two intense strikers in action that you most want to see, then the fight between ONE featherweight Muay Thai world champion Tawanchai PK.Saenchai and Jamal Yusupov is a must-see.
Tawanchai and Yusupov are two of the best Muay Thai artists in the world right now. Their match at the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium is a fitting homage to the arena’s storied history. Expect Tawanchai and Yusupov to go all out in ONE Championship’s second Amazon card of the year.
Of course, there’s the possibility of this fight going to the judges, and there’s also the high probability that it ends with someone face down on the canvas.
Yusupov is a crafty fighter who can operate at any pace that’s presented to him, while Tawanchai could explode at a moment’s notice. It’s best for Yusupov to drag this fight and make sure he’s out of Tawanchai’s pocket.
Tawanchai, meanwhile, has to end this fight early and plaster Yusupov with as much offense as possible to get the knockout.
Ben Imperial: Tawanchai PK.Saenchai by decision
A 16-year age gap between the two fighters can be seen as an advantage for Jamal Yusupov, but considering the accolades that Tawanchai PK.Saenchai has under his belt at 23 years of age, it's difficult to say who really has the edge in terms of experience.
Both fighters are coming in riding a three-fight win streak, but while Tawanchai claimed all his wins in 2022, Yusupov did so over three years. Their activeness in competition might play a bigger factor in this match, with Tawanchai having the edge.
I think Tawanchai will be tested, especially by Yusupov's power. However, I believe the young Thai star can claim the championship rounds and outlast Yusupov in a five-round war.
Ted Razon: Tawanchai PK.Saenchai by unanimous decision
Tawanchai will be revitalized by his home crowd’s massive cheers, and I believe that will eventually be the key to a convincing unanimous decision victory. I expect the 23-year-old to come out of the gates hot and release the massive adrenaline rush he’ll have at the beginning of the match. This could play as a double-edged sword for him, as he might be too over-aggressive and leave himself open for Yusupov’s counterattacks.
But as we’ve seen in the fight against Petchmorakot, Tawanchai is wise beyond his years and can adjust on the fly. He will likely settle down in the latter rounds and methodically destroy Yusupov with his lethal kick and punch combinations.
I expect his championship experience to shine in rounds four and five, where the 39-year-old could possibly begin slowing down. However, the Hyperion Fighters standout is also known for his durability. I expect him to be able to take Tawanchai’s best shots but ultimately fall short on the scorecards.
