Prajanchai PK Saenchai had an incredible finish to his ONE Interim Strawweight Muay Thai World Title match against Sam-A Gaiyanghadao at ONE Friday Fights 22 on June 23.
Not only did Prajanchai win the provisional 26-pound gold belt, but he also knocked out his legendary compatriot in the second round at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
This was Prajanchai’s second win over Sam-A in two years and both matches were for World Titles. However, Prajanchai felt more prepared for this rematch compared to their first encounter:
The 28-year-old said, “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 two fighters first faced each other at ONE: BATTLEGROUND in July 2021, with Prajanchai winning by majority decision after a thrilling five-round battle.
While Prajanchai was confident in getting a similar result this time, he didn’t expect to achieve such a spectacular finish against the martial arts legend.
Nevertheless, he is happy to have won by knockout to leave no doubts about his victory:
“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.”
Prajanchai never underestimated Sam-A’s skills and tested his defense with light attacks in the first round. In the second round, he increased the intensity and landed powerful boxing combinations, eventually dropping Sam-A with a left punch. Prajanchai then followed up with punches and a right elbow to secure the victory in the second round.
Prajanchai is ecstatic about his win and considers it the biggest fight of his life:
“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 the ONE Interim Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion, Prajanchai’s next goal is to unify the divisional belts and seek a rematch against reigning champion Joseph Lasiri, who defeated him in their previous World Title match.
Prajanchai is confident and ready for a rematch after his win over Sam-A Gaiyanghadao, and he wants the unification match to happen soon:
“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.”
Joseph Lasiri has been inactive since his loss to Rodtang Jitmuangnon in a ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title challenge last November. While Prajanchai is focused on a rematch with Lasiri, he is open to facing anyone ONE Championship wants to give him.
Prajanchai concludes, “I do not have any specific person to face other than Lasiri, so anyone ONE Championship wants to give me, that would be great.”
