Tawanchai PK Saenchai is quickly becoming a known name in Muay Thai, not only in his home country of Thailand but around the world.
The ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion is set to defend his throne against “Smokin” Jo Nattawut in the main event of ONE 167 on Friday, June 7, inside the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, and another win will surely push his popularity to further heights.
Tawanchai PK Saenchai wants his fame to inspire people
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Tawanchai remains grounded in his growing image, and he wants to use it to make a positive impact and inspire fans who follow him.
“I want my fame to become an inspiration for more people to exercise. When some people see my body or see my exercise clips on social media, I want them to feel excited after watching and to go exercise to make their body strong, too,” he said in a recent interview with ONE.
Muay Thai is beloved in Thailand, and its citizens are proud of the sport’s recent rise in popularity.
Tawanchai is excited to be a part of that growth, and he’s happy to see a new fanbase developing.
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“When I go running, there will be children, women, and old people coming and calling my name. And I saw many women who never watched Muay Thai before come to watch the fights live,” he said.
“I feel very proud to be a part of making everyone turn to watching Muay Thai because Muay Thai is the heritage of the nation, and everyone should support it.”
With over 160 fights, the PK Saenchai representative is hardly new to the “art of eight limbs.”
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Comparing Saenchai’s fame with Rodtang Jitmuangnon
However, he believes his experience pales in comparison to his legendary compatriots Saenchai, Buakaw, and reigning flyweight Muay Thai king, Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon.
Still, with seven straight victories in ONE Championship and wins against elite competition, Tawanchai is well on track to become one of the most recognizable figures in Muay Thai.
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Should he get there, the ever-humble 25-year-old insists he will be the same person, and he won’t let any amount of fame change him.
“I would feel very honored if one day I can reach the same level and stand among the three of them, but I assure you that I will still be the same Tawanchai that everyone can easily reach, and I will work just as hard as before,” he said.