Reigning ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai discussed the profound impact fatherhood has had on his mindset and drive as he prepares to face China’s Liu Mengyang in a featherweight kickboxing clash at ONE Friday Fights 137 on Thursday, December 19, at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
The Thai striker married his girlfriend Sawita Yingchuan in November 2024 before welcoming their firstborn son Kirin in May 2025, fundamentally changing his perspective on competition and legacy.
Tawanchai discussed his hopes for his son’s future while confirming his primary focus remains capturing the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Championship to complete his two-sport dominance.
Fatherhood Boosted Thai Champ Tawanchai’s Competitive Drive
Speaking about his new role as a parent, the PK Saenchai Muaythaigym representative explained how his son provides renewed purpose beyond personal athletic achievement. Tawanchai described the impact of fatherhood on his training regimen and mental approach to competition at the sport’s highest levels.
“Being a father has changed my life. When I feel tired, I think of him. The motivation I had before has now doubled or tripled. I have a duty to be a good man, as a father loves his child,” Tawanchai said.
The admission provides insight into the titleholder’s ability to maintain championship intensity despite already establishing himself as one of featherweight Muay Thai’s most dominant forces.
Tawanchai Shares Hopes for Son’s Future
Beyond immediate competitive goals, Tawanchai expressed his aspirations for how his son will view his father’s championship legacy when Kirin grows old enough to understand the sacrifices required for martial arts excellence. The Thai superstar emphasized his desire to serve as an inspirational example of perseverance rather than pressure his son toward a fighting career.
“I hope that when my son grows up, no matter what difficulties or discouragement he faces, he remembers his father and knows he must fight forward, just like me. I don’t expect my son to become a Muay Thai fighter like me. I just want him to train in Muay Thai for self-defense,” Tawanchai explained.
The Thai’s focus on teaching life lessons through martial arts training rather than forcing his son into professional competition reflects understanding of the demanding lifestyle required for championship success.
New Dad Tawanchai Still Focused on Two-Sport Glory
While fatherhood has added new dimensions to his life, Tawanchai confirmed that his competitive ambitions remain sharply focused on capturing the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Championship. The Muay Thai king acknowledged his family’s unwavering support while emphasizing his determination to achieve two-sport glory.
“My family is always supporting me from behind, so right now, my focus is entirely on winning that Kickboxing World Championship,” Tawanchai said.
Tawanchai’s combination of championship experience, fatherhood motivation, and family support positions him as the favorite, but Liu’s youth and hunger for breakthrough victory make this an intriguing stylistic clash to close ONE Championship’s 2025 calendar.
ONE Friday Fights 137 airs live on Friday, December 19, at 7:30 a.m. ET/4:30 a.m. PT on beIN Sports USA. It will also broadcast live on YouTube.
