Tawanchai P.K. Saenchaimuaythaigym
Tawanchai P.K. Saenchai Muaythaigym (Thai: ตะวันฉาย พี.เค.แสนชัยมวยไทยยิม; born April 7, 1999) is a Thai Muay Thai fighter. As of December 2021 he is the number two pound-for-pound Muay Thai fighter in the world according to The Nation.[1] A former Lumpinee Stadium fighter of the year, he competes in the Featherweight division of ONE Championship, where he is the current ONE Muay Thai Featherweight World Champion. As of October 12, 2023, he is ranked #4 in the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing rankings.[2]
| Tawanchai P.K. Saenchai Muaythaigym | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 7, 1999 Pattaya, Thailand |
| Other names | Jatukam Petchrungruang Tawanchai Chor Thaiset (ตะวันฉาย พี.เค.แสนชัย) |
| Height | 180 cm (5 ft 11 in) |
| Weight | 70 kg (154 lb; 11 st) |
| Division | Featherweight (155 lbs) (ONE) |
| Reach | 71.5 in (182 cm) |
| Style | Muay Thai |
| Stance | Southpaw |
| Fighting out of | Bangkok, Thailand |
| Team | P.K. Saenchai Muaythaigym |
| Kickboxing record | |
| Total | 163 |
| Wins | 130 |
| Losses | 31 |
| Draws | 2 |
Biography
Tawanchai was born in Pattaya, he started his fighting career at Petchrungruang gym under the name Jatukam Petchrungruang when he was 8 years old. He moved to Bangkok and made his debut in Lumpinee Stadium at the age of 14.[3]
In 2015, Tawanchai moved to P.K.Saenchaimuaythaigym in Southern Bangkok.
He quickly made a name for himself and jumped up multiple weight classes at a time. In 2017 he won the Thailand 126 lbs Title by defeating Wayunoi Petchkiatpetch.
On September 7, 2018 Tawanchai defeated Muay Thai Fighter of the Year 2017 Kulabdam Sor Jor Piekuthai. Kulabdam and his team were convinced that he could win a rematch and negotiated for another fight only weeks later, Tawanchai won again and went into the trilogy fight with confidence. Tawanchai would end up winning all three fights and the 6 million baht worth of side bet during the third fight, positioning himself as one of the best fighters in the country. For his results during the year 2018 he received multiple fighter of the year awards.[4]
He would confirm his status on March 26, 2019 with a stoppage win over Sangmanee Sor Tienpo at the Parunchai Birthday show; Sangmanee had never been stopped in his career.[5] Sangmanee won the rematch by decision 3 months later, handing his first loss to Tawanchai in almost 2 years.
On July 27, 2019 Tawanchai fought for the first time under kickboxing rules for the Wu Lin Feng World Cup in China, it was his first fight outside of Thailand and he won by decision.
ONE Championship
On October 4, 2020, it was announced that Tawanchai had signed with ONE Championship.[6]
Tawanchai faced Sean Clancy at ONE Championship: Dangal on May 15, 2021.[7] He won the bout via head kick knockout at the beginning of the third round.[8]
Tawanchai was originally scheduled to face Saemapetch Fairtex at ONE Championship: Battleground 3.[9] However, Saemapetch was forced to withdraw from the event after one of his cornermen tested positive for COVID-19. He then fought Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong at ONE Championship: Battleground 3 under Muay Thai rules.[10] Their pre-recorded match aired on August 27, 2021. Tawanchai lost the fight by split decision.
Tawanchai faced Saemapetch Fairtex at ONE: Heavy Hitters on January 14, 2022. He won the bout via right hook knockout in the first round.[11]
Tawanchai faced Niclas Larsen at ONE 158 on June 3, 2022.[12] He won the bout after knocking out Larsen in the second round with a left cross.[13]
ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion
Tawanchai faced Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy for the ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Championship at ONE 161 on September 29, 2022.[14] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[15]
Tawanchai made his first title defense against Jamal Yusupov on February 25, 2023, at ONE Fight Night 7.[16] He won the bout via a leg kick knockout in the first round.[17]
Tawanchai faced Davit Kiria in a kickboxing bout at ONE Fight Night 13 on August 5, 2023.[18] He won the bout in the third round due to a kick breaking Kiria's right arm.[19]
Tawanchai was scheduled to defense the title against Superbon Singha Mawynn on October 7, 2023, at ONE Fight Night 15.[20] However, Superbon was forced to pulled out due to a leg injury.[21] He was replaced by Jo Nattawut in a kickboxing bout.[22] Tawanchai won the fight via unanimous decision.[23]
The match between Tawanchai and Superbon for the ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Championship was rescheduled on December 9, 2023, at ONE Fight Night 17.[24]
Titles and accomplishments
- ONE Championship
- ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Championship (One time; current) (1 Defense)
- Performance of the Night (Three times) vs. Davit Kiria, Jamal Yusupov and Niclas Larsen
- 2022 Muay Thai Fighter of the Year[25]
- 2022 Breakout Star of the Year[26]
- Lumpinee Stadium
- 2018 Lumpinee Stadium Fighter of the Year[27]
- Professional Boxing Association of Thailand (PAT)
- 2017 Thailand 126 lbs champion[28]
- Nai Khanom Tom
- 2018 Nai Khanom Tom Champion[29]
Awards
- 2018 Sports Authority of Thailand Fighter of the Year[30]
- 2018 Siam Kela Fighter of the Year Award[31]
Fight record
| 131 Wins, 31 Losses, 2 Draws | ||||||||
| Date | Result | Opponent | Event | Location | Method | Round | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-12-08 |  Superbon Singha Mawynn | ONE Fight Night 17 | Bangkok, Thailand | |||||
| Defending the ONE Muay Thai Featherweight Championship | ||||||||
| 2023-10-07 | Win | Jo Nattawut | ONE Fight Night 15 | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 2023-08-05 | Win |  Davit Kiria | ONE Fight Night 13 | Bangkok, Thailand | TKO (Broken arm/Middle kick) | 3 | 0:30 | |
| 2023-02-25 | Win |  Jamal Yusupov | ONE Fight Night 7 | Bangkok, Thailand | TKO (Leg Kick) | 1 | 0:49 | |
| Defended the ONE Muay Thai Featherweight Championship | ||||||||
| 2022-09-29 | Win | Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy | ONE 161 | Kallang, Singapore | Decision (Unanimous) | 5 | 3:00 | |
| Won the ONE Muay Thai Featherweight Championship | ||||||||
| 2022-06-03 | Win |  Niclas Larsen | ONE 158 | Kallang, Singapore | KO (Left Cross) | 2 | 1:42 | |
| 2022-01-14 | Win | Saemapetch Fairtex | ONE: Heavy Hitters | Kallang, Singapore | KO (Left Cross) | 1 | 2:55 | |
| 2021-08-27 | Loss | Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong | ONE: Battleground 3 | Kallang, Singapore | Decision (Split) | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 2021-05-15 | Win |  Sean Clancy | ONE: Dangal | Kallang, Singapore | KO (Head Kick) | 3 | 0:35 | |
| 2020-09-26 | Win | Sangmanee Sor Tienpo | Rueso Fight + Kiatpetch | Narathiwat Province, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 2020-08-16 | Win | Nuenglanlek Jitmuangnon | Channel 7 Boxing Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 2020-01-11 | Loss |  Jia Aoqi | Wu Lin Feng 2020: -67kg World Cup 2019-2020 Final, Semi Final | Zhuhai, China | TKO (Punches) | 2 | ||
| 2019-11-30 | Win |  David Mejia | Wu Lin Feng 2019: -67kg World Cup 2019-2020 6th Group Stage | Zhengzhou, China | Ext.R Decision (Split) | 4 | 3:00 | |
| 2019-09-29 | Win | Ji Xiang | Wu Lin Feng 2019: -67kg World Cup 2019-2020 4th Group Stage | Zhengzhou, China | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 2019-09-06 | Win | Chujaroen Dabransarakarm | Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 2019-07-27 | Win | Zhang Wensheng | Wu Lin Feng 2019: -67kg World Cup 2019-2020 2nd Group Stage | Zhengzhou, China | Decision (Split) | 3 | 3:00 | |
| 2019-06-26 | Loss | Sangmanee Sor Tienpo | RuamponkonSamui + Kiatpetch Super Fight | Surat Thani, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 2019-03-26 | Win | Sangmanee Sor Tienpo | Parunchai Birthday | Thung Song, Thailand | KO (High Kick) | 4 | 1:45 | |
| 2018-12-07 | Win | Nuenglanlek Jitmuangnon | Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | TKO (Referee Stoppage) | 5 | 0:40 | |
| 2018-11-08 | Win | Kulabdam Sor.Jor.Piek-U-Thai | Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| Wins the 6 million baht side-bet. | ||||||||
| 2018-10-05 | Win | Kulabdam Sor.Jor.Piek-U-Thai | Muay Thai Expo: The Legend of Muay Thai | Buriram, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 2018-09-07 | Win | Kulabdam Sor.Jor.Piek-U-Thai | Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 2018-07-10 | Win | Nuenglanlek Jitmuangnon | Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 2018-06-05 | Win | Ferrari Jakrayanmuaythai | Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 2018-03-28 | Win | Yok Parunchai | WanParunchai + Poonseua Sanjorn | Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 2017-12-26 | Win | Yok Parunchai | Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 2017-11-25 | Win | Mongkolchai Kwaitonggym | Kriatpetch Super Fight | Krabi, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 2017-09-09 | Win | Mongkolchai Kwaitonggym | Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 2017-08-06 | Loss | Mongkolchai Kwaitonggym | Channel 7 Boxing Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 2017-06-09 | Win | Chalam Parunchai | Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 2017-04-27 | Draw | Phetwason Ansukhumvit | Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 2017-03-28 | Loss | Tito Hoywanpohchana | Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 2017-02-18 | Win | Wayunoi Phetkiatphet | Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| Wins 126lbs Thailand title | ||||||||
| 2016-11-29 | Win | Kumantong Jitmuangnon | Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 2016-10-01 | Win | Worrawut M.U.Den | Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 2016-08-23 | Loss | Wanmechok Puhongtong | Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 2016-07-17 | Win | Chaila Por.Lakboon | Channel 7 Boxing Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | KO | 4 | ||
| 2016-06-17 | Win | Singtongnoi Kiatkittipan | Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | KO | 4 | ||
| 2016-05-03 | Loss | Nongview Phetkoson | Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 2016-02-10 | Win | Kongsak Sor.Satra | Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 2016-01-16 | Win | Noomsurin Chor.Ketveena | Siam Omnoi Boxing Stadium | Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 2015-12-04 | Loss | Petchrung Sitnayokkaipaedriew | Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 2015-11-14 | Win | Yodsaenkeng Jor.Nopparat | Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 2015-11-03 | Loss | Peemai Erawan | Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 2015-09-29 | Win | Peemai Erawan | Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 2015-06-30 | Win | Yodpayak Phor.Jaroenpeth | Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 2015-03-02 | Loss | Gingsanglek Tor.Laksong | Rajadamnern Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| 2015-01-11 | Win | Kompai Sor.Jullasen | Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | KO | 4 | ||
| 2014-10-24 | Win | Phetbansen Sor.Jor.Lekmuangnont | Lumpinee Stadium | Bangkok, Thailand | Decision | 5 | 3:00 | |
| Legend: Win Loss Draw/No contest Notes | ||||||||
References
- The Top 10 Pound-for-Pound Fighters in Muay Thai - The Nation, 22 December 2021
- "Athlete Rankings | ONE Championship". ONE Championship - The Home Of Martial Arts. Retrieved 2022-08-08.
- "ตะวันฉาย พี.เค.แสนชัยมวยไทยยิม : ว่าที่ยอดมวยวัย 19 ผู้มีดีมากกว่าแค่หน้าตา". sanook.com. 29 November 2018.
- ""Tawanchai PKsaenchaimuaythaigym list of awards won: - Lumpinee Stadium Fighter of the year - Sports Authority of Thailand Fighter of the Year - Wan Muay Thai Fighter of the Year - Boxing Reporters Association Fighter of the Year - Siam Kela Award Fighter of the Year - Sports Writers Association of Thailand Fighter of the Year".
- "Tawanchai gets a big win over Sangmanee". 2019-03-27. Archived from the original on 2019-03-31. Retrieved 2023-08-14.
- "Tawanchai Signs With ONE Championship". Fight Record. 2020-10-04. Retrieved 2020-10-12.
- "Brandon Vera to defend heavyweight title against Arjan Bhullar at ONE: 'Dangal'". Asian MMA. 2021-04-29. Retrieved 2021-04-29.
- "ONE: DANGAL – Full Results For Vera Vs. Bhullar". ONE Championship – The Home Of Martial Arts. 2021-05-14. Retrieved 2021-05-15.
- "Tawanchai To Face Saemapetch At ONE: BATTLEGROUND III". Fight Record. 2021-07-19. Retrieved 2021-08-07.
- "Sittichai Sitsongpeenong faces Tawanchai PKSaenchaigym at ONE: 'Battleground' Part III". Asian MMA. 2021-07-26. Retrieved 2021-08-07.
- "Izagakhmaev, Ikeda, Vandaryeva Earn ONE: HEAVY HITTERS Bonuses". ONE Championship – The Home Of Martial Arts. 2022-01-14. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
- Kerman, Garrett (26 May 2022). "'Buchecha' putting in work at Phuket Fight Club ahead of next MMA bout". sportskeeda.com. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
- "Tawanchai Secures World Title Shot At Petchmorakot With KO Of Niclas Larsen". ONE Championship – The Home Of Martial Arts. 2022-06-03. Retrieved 2022-06-04.
- "Petchmorakot faces Tawanchai at ONE 161". Asian MMA. 2022-08-04. Retrieved 2022-08-20.
- "ONE Championship 161 results: Tawanchai wins title in Muay Thai thriller, Tiffany Teo shines at atomweight". South China Morning Post. 30 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- "ได้ฤกษ์ป้องเข็มขัด "ตะวันฉาย" เตรียมซัด "จามาล" ผู้ท้าชิงรายแรก 11 ก.พ.66". ONE Championship – The Home of Martial Arts. 2022-12-05. Retrieved 2022-12-05. (in Thai)
- John Wolcott (2023-02-25). "Tawanchai PK Saenchai knocks out Jamal Yusupov in 49 seconds, retains ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World title". ONE Championship – The Home of Martial Arts. Retrieved 2023-02-25.
- Pröger, Axel (12 June 2023). "Tawanchai Comes to Kickboxing! Muay Thai Champion to Take On Davit Kiria at ONE Fight Night 13 on August 4". beyondkick.com. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
- Atkin, Nicolas (5 August 2023). "ONE Championship Fight Night 13 results and highlights – Allazov beats Grigorian, Tawanchai breaks Kiria's arm". scmp.com. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
- Ben Coate (2023-07-28). "Tawanchai To Defend Featherweight Muay Thai World Title Against Superbon At ONE Fight Night 15". ONE Championship – The Home of Martial Arts. Retrieved 2023-07-28.
- "ONE Championship: Superbon out of title fight vs Tawanchai at Fight Night 15 in Bangkok". South China Morning Post. 2023-09-20. Retrieved 2023-09-20.
- Henry, Blaine (2023-09-27). "BE Exclusive: Tawanchai vs. Jo Nattawut set for ONE Fight Night 15". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved 2023-06-02.
- "Tawanchai, Pacio, Musumeci Score Victories At ONE Fight Night 15". ONE Championship – The Home Of Martial Arts. 2023-10-07. Retrieved 2023-10-07.
- Martin, Damon (2023-10-17). "Tawanchai vs. Superbon Muay Thai title bout booked as ONE Fight Night 17 main event for Dec. 8". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2023-10-17.
- Chris Mohan (2022-12-26). "Tawanchai Scoops ONE's 2022 Muay Thai Fighter Of The Year Award". ONE Championship – The Home of Martial Arts. Retrieved 2022-12-27.
- Jay Furness (2022-12-28). "Tawanchai PK.Saenchai Named ONE's 2022 Breakout Star Of The Year". ONE Championship – The Home of Martial Arts. Retrieved 2022-12-31.
- "2018 Lumpinee Stadium awards winners". siamfightnews.com.
- "Siam Fight News on facebook: Tawanchai P.k.saenchai Muaythaigym The new 126lb Thailand champion". facebook.com.
- "Results for the Yod Muay Nai Khanom Tom @muaythaiexpo promotion at Buriram, Thailand (05/10/2018). (5 rounds for the Nai Khanom Tom title) Kulabdam SorJor.PiekUthai 🇹🇭 lost to Tawanchai PKsaenchaimuaythaigym".
- "SiamFightNews on Instagram: "Tawanchai is in the house today here at Channel7 studios after receiving his fighter of the year award today Governnment House . @tawanchai_pk @tawanchai_pk"". Archived from the original on 2021-12-26.
- "Congratulations to Tawanchai PK Saenchai gym on winning the coveted SiamKeela 'fighter of the year' award for 2018". Facebook.