ONE 167: Jo Nattawut Plans To Cement Legacy By Defeating Tawanchai In Rematch

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The first kickboxing clash between "Smokin" Jo Nattawut and ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai was an unexpected barnburner at ONE Fight Night 15 in October of 2023.

Now, Nattawut is getting another crack at his Thai compatriot at ONE 167 on Saturday, 8 June, inside Bangkok, Thailand's Impact Arena - this time under Muay Thai rules for Tawnachai's World Title.

Stepping in on two weeks' notice for an injured Superbon, Nattawut wasn't given a chance against Tawanchai when they met under kickboxing rules last year, but the American-based Thai caught everyone off guard. Nattawut took Tawanchai to a decision and gained the respect of his compatriot and fans worldwide.

His stock only rose following that October clash when he met Luke Lessei in December. The #3-ranked featherweight Muay Thai contender in "Smokin" Jo outstruck the American in another absolute show stealer, earning himself another shot at Tawanchai.

"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," Nattawut said. "And Tawanchai just beat Superbon, too, so it's a perfect time for the fight to happen."

Rewinding time to October, Nattawut surprised everyone including Tawanchai when he entered Lumpinee Boxing Stadium's ring chiseled. It had been 15 months since his last appearance in ONE. But he certainly came prepared and reaped the rewards despite not getting his hand raised that night.

There's a big difference between that encounter and his upcoming fight with Tawanchai, though. Nattawut is coming in with plenty of momentum this time, having competed twice in the last seven months.

To him, he's just picking up right where he left off with Tawanchai. And he's ready to put a golden cap on his career with the performance of a lifetime.

"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," Nattawut said.

"The World Title would mean my work has been successful. I'm at the end of my career. Everywhere I go, I always get the title. So this is another belt to prove that I am really a champion."