Tawanchai P.K.Saenchaimuaythaigym (ตะวันฉาย พี.เค.แสนชัยมวยไทยยิม) defeated Niclas Larsen with a second-round knockout at ONE 158. The victory earned him a title shot at the current Featherweight Muay Thai champion, Petchmorakot.
Tawanchai had made his feelings clear well before the fight on June 3. Earlier this week, he said in his pre-fight interview he wants to challenge Petchmorakot for the Muay Thai title. He also added, after he wins the Muay Thai title, he wants to also challenge for the Kickboxing belt.
In the post-fight interview, Mitch Chilson confirmed Tawanchai had earned his shot at the champion, Petcmorakot. He also announced Tawanchai’s knockout victory had earned him a $50,000 bonus.
The reigning ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World champion, Petchmorakot, took to his social media to respond to the news. (Via @muaythaichai)
Petchmorakot PetchyindeeAcademy wrote on his Facebook page about his title fight against Tawanchai PKsaenchaiMuayThaiGym:
“We will see in the ring, Tawanchai is also good, I still believe that I will definitely win the fight if we really do fight” pic.twitter.com/VQzRZ7WkwI— Muay Thai Chai (@muaythaichai) June 3, 2022
Petchmorakot recently made a third successful defence of the Featherweight crown when he defeated Jimmy Vienot. Many opinions were split, however, with fans and pundits calling for an immediate rematch between the pair.
Another fighter who feels he should be worthy of a title shot before Tawanchai is Jamal Yusupov. The Russian has gone 2-0 in ONE Super Series, with huge victories over Yodsanklai and Samy Sana. He also had two bouts against Petchmorakot cancelled due to travel complications.
Another name who has made his feelings clear recently is Superbon. The current Featherweight Kickboxing champion has also said he wants to challenge Petchmorakot for the Muay Thai title.
Despite all of this, it will be Tawanchai who will get the next shot at Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy. A date for the World title bout is yet to be confirmed by ONE Championship.