ONE Championship boss Chatri ‘uncertain’ if Tawanchai will fight in Atlanta

ONE Championship boss Chatri Sityodtong admitted he is “still uncertain” on Tawanchai PK Saenchai’s condition ahead of the featherweight Muay Thai champion’s planned title defence in Atlanta on November 8.
The chairman and CEO said he booked this week’s ONE Friday Fights 81 main event at Lumpinee Stadium between Superbon Singha Mawynn and Jo Nattawut because Tawanchai was not “100 per cent”.
Tawanchai is set to defend his belt against Nattawut at ONE 169 when the Asia-based martial arts promotion returns to the United States, though it seems the match is up in the air.
“We made this fight because Tawanchai was still not in a 100 percent state a month ago,” Chatri told the Bangkok Post during a virtual press conference for Friday’s stacked card. 
“He just started training. We weren’t sure if he would be able to compete for ONE 169, so that was the thought process of keeping the title contention active. “And kudos to Jo, he accepted the fight. But we were not sure and are still not confident Tawanchai will be ready for Atlanta. We don’t know. 
“I haven’t got the latest update, but this was from several weeks ago when we booked Superbon versus Jo.”
Chatri also suggested that, should Tawanchai be able to compete, Superbon could slide into the title fight at ONE 169 with a win over Nattawut in Bangkok this weekend.
“I haven’t talked to Tawanchai or Sia Kaek at all for a few months. But I think for now the winner will take on Tawanchai. I think that’s natural,” Chatri said. 
“At that time, Tawanchai was still recovering from his injuries. So that’s why my team was telling me all this.” 
Tawanchai defeated Nattawut via a controversial majority decision at ONE 167 in June, which prompted the crowd at Bangkok’s Impact Arena to erupt into prolonged boos, seemingly out of protest at the result.
The 25-year-old Thai sustained a bad eye injury in the title fight – his second victory over Nattawut – and was unable to see clearly during his post fight interview. 
Tawanchai also holds a unanimous decision win over Superbon, having defended his belt in a five-round classic last December at Lumpinee Stadium.