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"Smokin" Jo Nattawut made headlines last October when he nearly defeated Tawanchai PK Saenchai in their intense three-round kickboxing clash. Despite stepping in on short notice and losing a close decision, the 34-year-old veteran is now set for a rematch, this time challenging Tawanchai for the ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Title at ONE 167 on Prime Video.
Nattawut, currently ranked #3, regained momentum by defeating Luke "The Chef" Lessei in December. With a full training camp behind him, he is confident he can give Tawanchai another tough fight at Bangkok's Impact Arena.
Reflecting on his rematch opportunity scheduled for Friday, June 7, Nattawut expressed his determination:
"I thought I was going to get the fight. I looked at the rankings – they have rankings for a reason, right? So, we all knew it was coming, and also the fans of ONE wanted to see it. And Tawanchai just beat Superbon, too, so it’s a perfect time for the fight to happen."
In their initial encounter at ONE Fight Night 15, Nattawut stepped in on less than two weeks’ notice to replace an injured Superbon. The bout was a thrilling nine-minute battle. With their rematch set for five championship rounds, Nattawut is prepared for another high-paced contest:
"Three or five rounds are not much different. Of course, it’s longer. There’s some difference, but not much. It’ll be high-paced for sure, and I can see it going to a decision because of the way things are.
There’s going to be a lot of kicks, a lot of hands exchanged. That’s all I can see, but if it’s anything else, we will have to see in the ring. Things always change, things always happen in the moment. All I can say is this is going to be a fun fight."
With three rounds already in the books against Tawanchai, Nattawut has a better sense of what to expect in their rematch. However, he remains aware of his opponent's ability to adapt:
"Tawanchai, he’s the king of the division. If you want to beat him, you have to be really, really good. Really clever. This is just like the next round to me.
The plan is not complicated. We just go in there and see what’s going to happen and figure it out from there. Going with the flow would be the best way, for me."
Having faced top-tier competitors in both kickboxing and Muay Thai, Nattawut's recent performances have finally earned him a shot at the biggest prize. At 34, he acknowledges that his career is nearing its end, making this opportunity even more significant.