ONE Friday Fights 22: Prajanchai Reflects On ONE Interim Muay Thai World Title Win, Eyes Lasiri Rematch

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Since losing his ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Title to Joseph Lasiri at ONE 157 in May 2022, Prajanchai PK Saenchai has been on an undeniable journey back to the division's promised land.

Last Friday, 23 June, Prajanchai found himself within arm's reach of Lasiri after defeating former two-sport, two-division ONE World Champ and old foe Sam-A Gaiyanghadao yet again at ONE Friday Fights 22, this time for the division's interim crown.

When the duo first met in 2021, Prajanchai defeated Sam-A for the latter's ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Title after five dominant rounds. This time around, however, Prajanchai was able to stop Sam-A in just two.

The victory saw Prajanchai establish himself as the ONE Interim Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion and become the next man in line for Lasiri's World Title once he is injury-free. While the ramifications of the bout were tremendous for the 28-year-old, Prajanchai showcased an all-new side to his striking.

"I would say it is the biggest fight of my life because I've never knocked anyone out with my punches before. So, this fight has been very important for me," Prajanchai said.

"It was different because the first time I met Sam-A was also the first time in ONE Championship. I was very excited and nervous, so my game plan was not really as organized as I wanted it to be. So yeah, [the rematch] was a very good fight I would say."

Prajanchai also shares history with the reigning king in Lasiri. The Italian forced Prajanchai to part ways with the World Title in the third round of their meeting last year, but that loss has only strengthened the Thai's determination to retake the strawweight throne.

Prajanchai believes he wasn't at his healthiest in their initial tie, rendering him unable to leave the stool on that fateful night. This time around, however, the PK Saenchai product's momentum is red hot, fighting fit and more eager than ever to settle the score with "The Hurricane."

"I would say in that fight, I had a little trouble with weight and also hydration. That made me enter the ring not at 100 percent. The timing and stuff, I also made some mistakes. That's why I got a major injury there," Prajanchai said.

"I wouldn't say he's avoiding the fight with me. I just don't understand what's the real reason behind him not defending his belt. But, yeah, I'm really eager to meet him."