Tawanchai PK Saenchai is not jumping on the bandwagon when it comes to Thais keeping all the belts in ONE Championship.
Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Superlek Kiatmoo9 – ONE’s flyweight Muay Thai and kickboxing champions, respectively – have recently caused controversy by ruling out the possibility of fighting each other any time soon.
Atomweight striking sensation Phetjeeja Ormeekhun also seems hesitant to take on former two-sport champ Stamp Fairtex.
But Tawanchai will buck the trend when he defends his featherweight Muay Thai title against former kickboxing king Superbon at ONE Fight Night 15 in October.
“I just consider it sport,” he told the Post in Bangkok. “so eventually you cannot avoid each other. Eventually you have to face each other, Thai or not Thai.
“Anyone who ONE Championship gives to me, I can fight, so I don’t have a problem with that.”
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First up for the 24-year-old Thai is a stern test against Davit Kiria at ONE Fight Night 13 at Lumpinee Stadium. While he is fully focused on Saturday morning’s clash, it is hard for Tawanchai’s mind not to drift further afield.
“It is considered a big match against Superbon, and the best versus the best,” he said. “The reaction from the fans was extraordinary. There have been lots of comments and great reactions so I think it will be a fun fight.
“Superbon is a great opponent for me, the timing is great. I would just like to finish this fight and then I will move on and prepare for the next fight.
“This is actually my dream in striking, to be the best pound for pound fighter.”
Tawanchai, who will be making his kickboxing debut in the promotion, knows it will be no pushover against 35-year-old former Glory Kickboxing champion Kiria of Georgia.
“I’ve been waiting for a Muay Thai match for so long but there’s no opponent for me,” said Tawanchai, who last fought in February, defending his title with a 49-second TKO of Jamal Yusupov.
“So I decided to express that I can do kickboxing because I also want a kickboxing belt,” he said. “I’ve prepared 100 per cent for this fight and I want to show everybody my kickboxing skills.
“I’m happy to face Davit because he’s a great kickboxer and has had extraordinary matches before. I’ve watched every single fight of his daily. He’s a heavy hitter and he’s also very tough and strong, so I feel it will be a fun match.”
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