Tawanchai Secures World Title Shot At Petchmorakot With KO Of Niclas Larsen

Tawanchai PK.Saenchai was too slick and too powerful for Niclas “Dreamchaser” Larsen when the pair clashed in their ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Title eliminator at ONE 158.

Despite his foe’s aggression, the Thai superstar dominated the main event showdown and ended proceedings with a second-round knockout at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Friday, 3 June. 

Larsen made good on his promise to bring the pressure early, but that eagerness ran him into a right hook-left cross combo that dropped him to the mat inside the first 30 seconds. 

“Dreamchaser” continued to press forward, but the slick Thai stayed composed and had punches and kicks waiting every time his opponent closed the distance.

Tawanchai’s push kicks also kept his rival at bay, and he continually found a home for his punishing straight left down the middle.

The Danish striker started aggressively again in round two, but when he stepped forward with punches, he opened himself up to Tawanchai’s hard left body kicks.

Larsen did score with some low kicks, but the PK.Saenchai Muaythaigym representative was unfazed and took aim with his push kicks and lunging elbows.

Ultimately, “Dreamchaser’s” forward pressure was his undoing.

He forced Tawanchai backward, but the 23-year-old phenom threw another right hook-left straight combination, with the final punch landing flush on his rival’s jaw and sending him down to the mat.

Larsen could not make it back to his feet, and the referee waved off the bout at 1:42 of round two, handing Tawanchai his 127th career victory.

With it came a shot at Petchmorakot Petchyindee’s ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Title and a US$50,000 performance bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.

Speaking to commentator Mitch Chilson inside the Circle post-fight, Tawanchai sent a warning to the division’s current king.

“Petchmorakot, are you watching? I’m coming for you,” he said. “See you very soon!”

Read more: ONE 158: Tawanchai Vs. Larsen – Results And Highlights For Every Fight