SUMMARY
- Tawanchai PK Saenchai will face Jo Nattawut at ONE 167.
- Their previous fight was an absolute banger where Tawanchai won by the barest of margins.
Tawanchai PK Saenchai and “Smokin” Jo Nattawut will run it back in a highly anticipated rematch at ONE 167: Stamp vs. Zamboanga on Prime Video.
The Thai stars engaged in a classic kickboxing war last October and, by popular demand, they’ll resume hostilities at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, on June 7. This time, however, Tawanchai puts his ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Title on the line.
Nattawut stepped in on short notice to replace the injured Superbon Singha Mawynn and nearly caused a huge upset in one of the most memorable kickboxing battles of 2023. Despite coming out victorious in the fan-friendly encounter, Tawanchai told ONE post-fight that he wasn’t at his best on fight night.
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“I had to adjust to get myself ready to fight with Jo Nattawut. I’m not too proud of myself. I feel 80 percent satisfied. I feel like I’m less experienced in this [kickboxing] rule set,” he said.
“[Nattawut’s] toughness was beyond my expectations. Once I saw his body, I knew he had been training well and preparing himself.”
This time, Nattawut has had even longer to prepare himself. So, the second installment could be even crazier.
Tawanchai PK Saenchai vs. Jo Nattawut: An all-out war
Tawanchai PK Saenchai and “Smokin” Jo Nattawut duked it out in one of last year’s best fights. Now they’ll try to replicate the epic battle at ONE 167. At ONE Fight Night 15, featherweight Muay Thai king Tawanchai locked horns with a spirited Jo Nattawut under kickboxing rules.
They fought at a furious pace throughout the three-round bout, leaving many fans split over who should’ve been the rightful winner. Ultimately, Tawanchai was awarded a close but unanimous decision victory. Speaking to SCMP MMA post-fight, ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong agreed with the judges’ call.
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“It was a very close fight of back-and-forth action, but I thought Tawanchai consistently landed the heavier blows. I am not a judge, but Tawanchai edged it in my eyes,” he said.
“For sure, Jo is super tough, and he looked incredible today. Without a doubt, he’s a world championship athlete. I look forward to seeing him back in action quickly.”
In the interim, Tawanchai successfully defended his ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World via unanimous decision in another instant classic against Superbon in December. Meanwhile, Nattawut returned to the win column by decision in a wild brawl with American standout Luke Lessei that same month.