BANGKOK– ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai endured a nightmare start to his kickboxing main event at ONE Friday Fights 137 on 19 December. Just 52 seconds into the bout against China’s Liu Mengyang, the 26-year-old suffered a serious leg injury after failing to check a hard inside calf kick. The referee stopped the contest by TKO right away, and Tawanchai was taken to the hospital.
The fight at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium was meant to be a key step in Tawanchai’s push to succeed in both Muay Thai and kickboxing, after an earlier disappointment with the rules set. Instead, the bout turned in an instant.
Tawanchai moved forward behind his teep and control of distance. Liu, the 22-year-old nicknamed “Spirit Dragon”, focused on the lead leg from the start. He fired sharp inside low kicks in quick bursts. On the fourth kick, a loud crack rang out around the arena. Tawanchai’s leg gave way, and he dropped to the canvas in clear pain.
He could not stand. Medics brought in a stretcher as the crowd watched in shock. Referee Ricky Sewell waved it off at 0:52. Liu earned the biggest win of his career, while Tawanchai’s plan to add kickboxing gold was put on hold.
Surgery in Bangkok and a Clear Message From the One Champion
Tawanchai went straight to a hospital in Bangkok. Scans showed a severe fracture, said to involve more than one break, with a suspected fibula fracture among the damage. He had surgery the next day, and the operation was reported as a success.
Posting from his hospital bed, Tawanchai stayed positive and direct: “The surgery went well and everything was successful. The doctors are not allowing me to go home yet, I need to stay another two days. I will be able to fight again. I just need to wait for my body to recover to 100 per cent, at least seven months, but no more than 12 months.”
He also shared the hashtag #AllIaskIsForTheStrengthToKeepFighting, showing he has no plans to walk away from the sport.
Tawanchai, born Narongsak Kaewmala on 7 April 1999 in Pattaya, started training at eight years old at Petchrungruang Gym. He first fought under the name Jatukam Petchrungruang and rose quickly.
He made his Lumpinee Stadium debut at just 14. By 2018, his run earned him Fighter of the Year honours from Lumpinee, the Sports Authority of Thailand, and Siam Kela.
He joined ONE Championship in 2021 and quickly became a global name. He scored a standout debut win, finishing Sean Clancy with a head kick. A close split-decision loss to Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong followed, but he bounced back fast. He knocked out his friend Saemapetch Fairtex and beat Davit Kiria on points.
His biggest moment came at ONE 161 in September 2022. Tawanchai beat Petchmorakot Petchyindee to win the ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Title.
He has defended the belt with strong performances, including leg kick stoppages and clear decisions against contenders such as Jamal Yusupov and Jo Nattawut. His kickboxing run has had ups and downs, too, including a previous TKO defeat to Masaaki Noiri.
With more than 135 pro wins, Tawanchai is seen as a special talent. He mixes accuracy, power, and steady pressure, and his left kick has changed many fights in seconds.
Concern From Fans and What Comes Next
The injury has left fans and fighters worried. Big leg breaks can change careers, and many have compared them to other high-profile fractures in combat sports. The main concern is simple: whether Tawanchai can return with the same snap and confidence in his kicks, after such a serious break.
The online talk moved quickly. Some pointed out the cruel twist: one of the sport’s best leg kickers was stopped by a leg kick. Still, Tawanchai’s own timeline, seven to 12 months, gives people hope.
He trains at PK Saenchai Muaythaigym and has a strong team around him. He is also a newlywed and a new father after recently welcoming his first child, which adds even more drive for a full recovery.
From northern Thailand to Bangkok, Muay Thai supporters will be watching his rehab closely. If Tawanchai returns as strong as he says, the featherweight picture will shift again, and his kickboxing goals will be back on the table.
For now, the fight community is hoping for a smooth recovery for one of the sport’s brightest names.
