Tawanchai PK Saenchai says he is putting his Muay Thai reign on pause in ONE Championship to chase redemption in kickboxing – with his sights set squarely on Masaaki Noiri.
The 26-year-old Thai superstar will face China’s Liu Mengyang on December 19 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, headlining the ONE Friday Fights 137 ‘tentpole’ card in his first appearance since March.
But the real motivation, Tawanchai admits, lies beyond this bout.
‘It’s totally my decision [to fight Liu] because I really want a rematch with Masaaki Noiri,’ Tawanchai told the Bangkok Post.
Noiri handed Tawanchai a third-round TKO loss at ONE 172 in Saitama earlier this year, claiming the interim featherweight kickboxing world title in the process. The Japanese striker now faces Superbon in a unification bout at ONE 173 in Tokyo on November 16.
‘I actually don’t care who wins that fight – I’m focusing on Noiri. I really want to face him again. Yes, Noiri first, 100 per cent,’ Tawanchai added.
While many expect him to return to Muay Thai – where he still holds the featherweight title – Tawanchai insists his priority is now kickboxing.
Superbon remains keen on a third crack at his belt, while Shadow Singha Mawynn looks to solidify No 1 contender status when he faces Younes Rabah in a rematch at ONE Fight Night 38 on December 6.
‘I think it’s better to face Superbon in kickboxing,’ Tawanchai said with a smile. ‘Muay Thai we already faced twice, so it’s a bit boring. I’ll just cross over to kickboxing to see him.
‘Yes, Muay Thai I’m ready any time to face anyone – whether it’s Shadow or not – but I want to focus on kickboxing. If there’s time to do Muay Thai, I’m ready.’
His upcoming opponent, Liu, is no warm-up. The 22-year-old Chinese fighter shocked fans by defeating Noiri in late 2024 and also stunned Shadow in September.
‘I’m preparing myself very well for this fight because Liu is someone who’s always been fighting in kickboxing,’ Tawanchai said. ‘He’s not someone to be underestimated. I have to be wary of everything – he’s physically big and likes to fight at close range, so I’ll have to watch his punches especially.’
Tawanchai withdrew from the originally scheduled matchup in September due to injury, with Shadow stepping in, but is now fully fit – and seemingly in a happier, more settled place outside the ring.
Just last week, the Bangkok native revealed he had quietly married long-time partner Sawita Yingchuan and that the couple had welcomed a baby son, Kirin. The news shocked fans and fighters alike, with ONE Championship and teammates posting messages of congratulations.
Now back at PK Saenchai Gym, fatherhood has given Tawanchai renewed focus as he eyes a second belt.
‘I will be the best version of Tawanchai,’ he said. ‘I won’t be doing other people’s style – I will be Tawanchai who can do kickboxing.’