ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai believes he was caught off guard when he collided with #3-ranked contender Jo Nattawut last October.
According to Thai star, “Smokin” Jo came in more prepared for their short-notice kickboxing battle at ONE Fight Night 15 than he had expected.
Though he overcame his compatriot by unanimous decision, many took aim at Tawanchai’s performance that evening, so he feels obligated to silence them when he meets Nattawut again to defend his belt in the main event of ONE 167 on Saturday, 8th June, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Impact Arena.
Tawanchai Plans to “Seal The Lips Of Critics”
“I was happy when I knew that I would be defending my Muay Thai belt against Jo because it will seal the lips of critics from our first fight. I received quite a bit of criticism from that fight,” he reflected.
“In the last fight, I didn’t have time to prepare and couldn’t make any game plan for him. But for this fight, I prepared 100 percent. I think I can perform better.”
Tawanchai had amassed a solid 6-1 slate in ONE Championship before his first bout with Nattawut, including claiming the ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Title against Petchmorakot in 2022.
His confidence was soaring, and he readily admits to not giving “Smokin” Jo enough focus when he was booked as a late opponent.
However, instead of looking back with regrets, the 25-year-old striker has been studying their encounter and breaking down Nattawut’s game to ensure he’s fully prepared for their rematch at ONE 167.
“I learned that you can’t underestimate him at all. I was a bit surprised that he could fight with me so closely like that. I admit that I was really careless. That fight gave me many ideas to apply. In this fight, I will definitely not be as careless as before,” Tawanchai revealed.
“I have focused on building a strong body, and as for the brain, I am already smart enough, so I will adapt in the ring.”
