Some losses sting. Others haunt. And for Tawanchai PK Saenchai, the third-round TKO defeat to Masaaki Noiri at ONE 172 this past March has lived rent-free in his head for nine months.
Now the 26-year-old Thai superstar gets his chance at redemption. This Friday, December 19, at ONE Friday Fights 137 at Lumpinee Stadium, Tawanchai returns to kickboxing action against Chinese standout Liu Mengyang in a main event that carries weight far beyond three rounds.
Win, and the path to Superbon’s featherweight kickboxing title reopens. Lose, and his two-sport championship dream becomes exponentially harder to reach.
The stakes couldn’t be clearer to him.
“This fight is crucial. I cannot afford to lose, as it will make my path to the kickboxing title much harder. My fans were disappointed last time, but this time, we will win together,” Tawanchai said.
Tawanchai has spent the better part of a year dissecting what went wrong in Saitama, Japan. The moment is burned into memory — a knee thrown with good intentions, his guard dropping just long enough, Noiri’s counter landing clean.
The stoppage came in round three, ending what had been a competitive fight and temporarily derailing the champion’s kickboxing ambitions.
“In the last fight with Masaaki, I made a mistake and got hit by his punch. I don’t feel like I performed poorly. The plan was good, but he came prepared. When I threw a knee, my guard dropped, and I got caught cleanly,” he said.
“I was deeply disappointed in myself after that fight. I feel my capabilities weren’t at 100 percent, and people may feel that wasn’t the real Tawanchai. I know where the mistakes were, and I need to fix them.”
That brutal self-honesty has defined Tawanchai’s approach to this comeback. While he already holds ONE’s featherweight Muay Thai title — defending it with six highlight-reel victories including a stunning win over Superbon at ONE 170 in January — his kickboxing record now sits at 2-1.
The loss to Noiri came after impressive victories over Davit Kiria via knockout and Jo Nattawut via decision, proving he could compete in the sport but leaving questions about whether he could dominate it.
Critics have been vocal. Some say kickboxing isn’t his game, that he should stick to Muay Thai where he’s already proven himself as one of the division’s elite. But Tawanchai hasn’t put in nine months of work just to hear more doubt.
“I’ve been training exceptionally hard, reviewing my weaknesses, and strengthening my defense,” he said.
“I won’t go into detail, but just wait and see the improvements in this fight. Some people might say kickboxing isn’t for me, but I believe I can adapt and prove myself. No one becomes a champion instantly. You have to evolve and face challenges.”
Liu hasn’t made the buildup any quieter. The Chinese striker known as “Spirit Dragon” has talked publicly about Tawanchai supposedly fearing the matchup.
Tawanchai brushes off the claims as noise designed for attention. But talk is cheap. Friday night will reveal who backs up their words.
“Liu Mengyang claimed I was afraid of him, but I know better; people say things for engagement. We’ll find out the truth in the ring,” Tawanchai said.
Tawanchai respects what Liu brings. The Chinese fighter is durable, possesses dangerous hands, and carries experience that could prove valuable over three rounds.
But the Thai also sees openings — weaknesses that will reveal themselves once the bell rings and the left kick he’s famous for starts landing.
“I see Liu as a tough, durable fighter with good punching skills. That’s what’s visible right now. As for his weaknesses, you’ll have to watch the fight to find out,” Tawanchai said.
“Experience is important, and he may have an advantage there, but everything can be trained and improved. For my weapon of choice [for this fight], it is still going to be that powerful left kick.”
Beyond the technical adjustments and strategic preparation, there’s something else fueling Tawanchai’s return — the birth of his firstborn son. Fatherhood has added new dimension to his drive, another reason why this comeback means everything.
The path forward is crystal clear. Beat Liu convincingly, silence the critics, and force ONE Championship to grant him the trilogy fight with Superbon for the kickboxing title. That second belt isn’t just a goal anymore. It’s an obsession.
“This fight won’t go to the scorecards,” Tawanchai concluded.
“This time, fans will see a 100 percent version of Tawanchai the kickboxer. My goal is simple: I want that second belt. That drive makes me confident that I will be the kickboxing champion next year.”