ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai knows that he’s up for a challenge when he takes on Jamal “Yeniceri” Yusupov next week.
But he’s not the least bit worried.
Tawanchai looks to continue to build himself as one of Thailand’s strongest titleholders in ONE Championship when he tests Yusupov’s mettle at ONE Fight Night 7: Lineker vs. Andrade II on 25 February inside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
The 23-year-old noted how there are seemingly no weaknesses in the Russian veteran’s game, but Tawanchai believes his own fire and willingness to see the bout through will be more than enough to take the win.
“He’s very strong, and has heavy, strong punches. He hardly has any weaknesses. He’s one of the strongest fighters. You can’t underestimate him in any way,” he said.
“The key in this fight is my inner fire. I’m hungry for the victory. I’ll never give up on anything easily.”
Yusupov has competed against the best strikers in the world and has seen it all. But Tawanchai is unfazed because he doubts that Yusupov has faced better fighters than him.
“Of course he has extensive fighting experience, but they’re not superior to mine,” he said.
At the end of the day, Tawanchai will be banking on his home-court advantage at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, where he made a name for himself before becoming one of the promotion’s best young talents.
“It’s very encouraging for me to fight where I spent a lot of time in, where all the fans can come to support me. I’ll put all my effort into this fight. I don’t want my fans to be disappointed in me,” he said.
“It’s a nostalgic feeling. Lumpinee is the most respected stadium [and] has accommodated the best Muay Thai fighters. There are so many that become well-known after fighting in this stadium.”
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