Prajanchai PK Saenchai couldn’t have wished for a better ending to his ONE Interim Strawweight Muay Thai World Title matchup against Sam-A Gaiyanghadao at ONE Friday Fights 22 on June 23.
Not only did the Thai superstar claim the provisional 26 pounds of gold, but he did so with a second-round knockout of his legendary compatriot at the celebrated Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
It was Prajanchai’s second victory over Sam-A in the past two years – both being high-stakes World Title bouts – but he felt much better prepared for this rematch than his initial meeting with the 39-year-old icon:
The 28-year-old told ONEFC.com:
“Yes, of course, it was different because the first time I met Sam-A was also the first time [I fought in] ONE Championship. I was very excited and nervous, so my game plan was not really organized as I wanted it to be. So yeah, today was a very good fight, I would say.”
The duo first crossed paths in the main event of ONE: BATTLEGROUND in July 2021, with Prajanchai earning the victory by majority decision after a nail-biting five-round war.
Although he was confident of achieving a similar result this time, he never envisioned pulling off an emphatic highlight-reel finish over the martial arts legend.
But in the wake of his massive win, Prajanchai is elated to have ended the contest so decisively:
“I did not expect it to end this quickly. But I’m happy to get the KO because, you know, there’s no score, and it doesn’t allow people to raise doubts over my victory. So I’m happy it ended this way.”
Despite his impressive performance, Prajanchai never underestimated what Sam-A brought to the table.
After testing his foe’s defense with light attacks in the opening round, he picked up the pace and repeatedly found a home for his boxing combinations. One of his piston-like lefts then dropped the former two-sport and two-division king.
Sensing that the end was near, the Bangkok native followed up with a barrage of punches and a right elbow that kept his counterpart down and out at 2:10 of the second stanza – a stoppage that also bagged him a US$50,000 performance bonus.
And while Prajanchai has put together an absolutely astounding 340-52-3 career record, he feels that Friday’s result was the most notable one of all:
“I would say it is the biggest fight of my life …. this fight has been very important for me.”
Prajanchai Shifts Focus To Lasiri: ‘Really Eager To Meet Him’
Now a ONE Interim Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion, Prajanchai PK Saenchai is determined to unify the divisional belts and avenge his sole ONE Championship defeat against reigning king Joseph Lasiri.
Prajanchai quit on his stool at the end of the third round versus the Italian-Moroccan star in their World Title matchup at ONE 157: Petchmorakot vs. Vienot in May 2022.
However, he feels more confident than ever following his triumph over Sam-A Gaiyanghadao – and he called for a World Title unification match sooner rather than later:
“Well, the first thing I want to say to Lasiri is I wouldn’t take too long because I would just have to go back to training, just heal my physical injuries, and then, I would be ready.
“I just don’t understand what’s the real reason behind him not defending his belt today. But, yeah, I’m really eager to meet him.”
Lasiri has been out of action following his unanimous decision loss to Rodtang Jitmuangnon in a ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title challenge last November.
And while Prajanchai certainly has his mind on a rematch with Lasiri, he’s also ready to return anytime, anywhere if his rival remains on the sidelines.
He added:
“I do not have any specific person to face other than Lasiri, so anyone ONE Championship wants to give me, that would be great.”
