‘I Want The Kickboxing Belt’ – Tawanchai Eager To Begin Quest For Two-Sport Gold Against Kiria
Tawanchai PK Saenchai must be starting to feel the imbalance caused by carrying 26 pounds of gold over one shoulder – because he’s determined to even it up.
On Friday, August 4, the ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion will kick off his quest for the featherweight kickboxing belt when he takes on Davit Kiria at ONE Fight Night 13 on Prime Video live in North American primetime.
The 24-year-old has posted an impressive 5-1 record in ONE’s Muay Thai ranks to date, which includes four knockout finishes and two successful World Title outings.
Now, he’s ready to test himself under a different rule set when he returns to the famed Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
The Thai superstar said:
“It’s getting harder for me to get a Muay Thai match in my weight class, while there are many great kickboxing fighters. I want to try new things, and I have a new dream of being a Kickboxing World Champion as well as a Muay Thai World Champion.
“I need to learn new rules, which are not too different. It’s quite a pressure, to be honest, but shouldn’t be too hard for me. It’s a pressure but also a challenge because I want to face great fighters to prove to myself.”
While the vast majority of Tawanchai’s fights have come in “the art of eight limbs,” he did have a brief foray into kickboxing in late 2019 and early 2020.
Back then, he entered a tournament in China and won three bouts en route to the semifinals, where he suffered a rare defeat. However, the loss didn’t put him off.
Instead, it made Tawanchai respect the sport’s intricacies even more and offered extra motivation ahead of his return against Kiria:
“I learned something [from that loss]. My opponent that day was a great kickboxer. He was faster and better than me in every way. I have to admit that I was still lacking kickboxing experience. That’s why I lost. So, I want to prove myself in the upcoming fight
“I’m not so experienced in kickboxing, but that doesn’t scare me. I’m here to face everyone, especially the talented fighters.”
Tawanchai: ‘I Don’t Think A Person Should Stick With Just One Dream’
There are no tune-up fights in ONE’s loaded featherweight kickboxing division, and Tawanchai PK Saenchai is going straight for the big guns.
First up is former Glory Kickboxing World Champion Davit Kiria, who has a decorated history in the sport and plenty of impressive accolades to his name.
Tawanachai respects everything the Georgian striker brings to the ring, and he is taking this matchup very seriously. At the same time, he sees an area to exploit and plans to capitalize by utilizing his elite timing and accuracy.
The Thai explained:
“I have seen him fight in ONE against Sitthichai, and his other matches. I can’t be reckless around him. I think we have about the same level of skills which will make it entertaining
“His strength is his right hook. His punches are really heavy and really fast. And his physical strength, too. His weakness? From what I’ve seen, I don’t think he defends himself that much. I think that’s the only weakness.
“I can’t say if I can or cannot knock him out. We don’t know the future, but let’s say I’ll do my best to beat him.”
The result will be key for Tawanchai, who is setting his sights on a new goal.
That’s not something he does lightly. With a fresh “dream chaser” tattoo emblazoned down his side, the Pattaya native is more determined than ever to pave new ground in his combat sports career.
Getting off to a good start against a veteran like Kiria would be a huge leap forward for the featherweight Muay Thai king, and he doesn’t plan on stopping until he’s reached the top in kickboxing, too.
Tawanchai added:
“Winning is really important as it’s my first ONE Championship kickboxing fight. I need to keep my winning streak, so that I get my chance to win the kickboxing belt.
“I got this tattoo because I’m a dream chaser, and I drive myself to make my dreams come true. I’ve never missed a dream. I want the kickboxing belt on my shoulder.
“I don’t think a person should stick with just one dream. We don’t stop growing. I completed my Muay Thai dream, next is the kickboxing belt.”
