Tawanchai Refuses To Let Noiri Loss Define His Two-Sport Championship Dream At ONE Friday Fights 137
Nine months have passed since Masaaki Noiri’s third-round finish shattered Tawanchai PK Saenchai’s kickboxing dreams at ONE 172 in Saitama, yet the 26-year-old ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion refuses to let one setback define his journey toward two-sport glory.
On Friday, December 19, he returns to action against Chinese standout Liu Mengyang in a main event featherweight kickboxing clash at ONE Friday Fights 137 inside Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Asia primetime, carrying the weight of unfinished business and an unshakable belief that his championship ambitions remain very much alive.
That loss to Noiri was devastating not because of the result itself but because Tawanchai knows he didn’t perform at his true capabilities. The Thai superstar has spent these months dissecting what went wrong during their ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Championship battle, identifying the defensive lapses that allowed the former K-1 Champion to capitalize on a dropped guard when throwing a knee.
“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,” Tawanchai 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.”
The setback stung deeper because Tawanchai isn’t a kickboxing novice stumbling through unfamiliar territory. His bone-crushing third-round finish of former Glory Kickboxing World Champion Davit Kiria in August 2023 announced his arrival in the discipline, while his unanimous decision over Smokin’ Jo Nattawut three months later proved the initial victory wasn’t a fluke. Those two triumphs plus his lesson from Noiri have created a foundation that Tawanchai believes will carry him toward his two-sport dream.
“I’ve been training exceptionally hard, reviewing my weaknesses, and strengthening my defense. I won’t go into detail, but just wait and see the improvements in this fight,” he said. “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.”
Inspired by the birth of his firstborn son and equipped with renewed determination, the PK Saenchai Muaythaigym wizard aims to deliver the same statement-making finish that defined his sixth highlight-reel victory over Superbon at ONE 170 this past January when he defended his Muay Thai throne. Friday’s clash represents more than bouncing back from adversity — it’s about proving his kickboxing credentials are legitimate while positioning himself for a trilogy against Superbon for the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Title.
“This fight won’t go to the scorecards. 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,” he said.
Liu Mengyang stands between Tawanchai and that championship destiny, bringing notable victories over Shadow Singha Mawynn and Noiri that prove he’s battle-tested against elite competition. The Chinese striker has reportedly claimed the Thai superstar fears him, trash talk Tawanchai dismisses as background noise designed for engagement rather than truth revealed inside the ring.
“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. “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. 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.”
The path to Superbon’s crown runs through this fight with no margin for error remaining after the Noiri setback.
“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,” he said.
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