‘Strike While The Iron’s Hot’ – Shadow Ready For Quick Turnaround Against Liu Mengyang At ONE Friday Fights 126
The Thai star is ready to make his kickboxing debut against Liu Mengyang on Friday, September 26.
By Kriel Ibarrola
Sep 23, 2025, 11:26 UTC
Third-ranked featherweight Muay Thai contender Shadow Singha Mawynn is barely three weeks removed from his jaw-dropping spinning backfist knockout of Bampara Kouyate at ONE Fight Night 35, but he’s already poised to deliver another explosive performance in Bangkok.
The dynamic Thai warrior will make a swift return to action when he steps into kickboxing territory for the first time to face Chinese sensation “Spirit Dragon” Liu Mengyang at ONE Friday Fights 126 on September 26.
An injury to ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai – Liu’s original opponent – saw opportunity once again knock on Shadow’s doorstep.
Needless to say, the prospect of a co-main event slot in one of the biggest Asia primetime events this year was simply too tempting to refuse.
For Shadow, it’s his chance to test his striking skills in the sport of kickboxing, and without hesitation, the 25-year old signed on the dotted line and dove straight back into training.
He told onefc.com:
“After the fight [against Kouyate], I never thought the next one would be so soon. I rested for two days before I found out I was replacing Tawanchai. I immediately took a bus back to the gym to start training. I was so excited. It’s my first time fighting in kickboxing. I never thought I would get to do this.”
Shadow’s rise in the world’s largest martial arts organization reads like an inspiring tale of determination. From earning a six-figure contract through ONE Friday Fights to making his debut on the global stage, the former Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion has impressed against elite competition.
Six big victories in ONE Championship have established Shadow as one of the featherweight division’s most feared strikers. Now, he’s ready to bring that dominance to kickboxing.
His confidence stems from witnessing ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon traverse the same path.
Shadow sees a similar road ahead:
“The reason I decided to take this fight is because it’s a new challenge. There’s a chance I could get another bonus. You have to strike while the iron’s hot. I want to build a good future for myself. Since I’m not badly injured from the last fight, I’m ready to fight again.
“I’ve never thought about trying kickboxing before. I hadn’t studied the rules, but I’ve watched it before, and I was with Superbon. Since I have this opportunity, I have to try. It’s a new challenge for me.”
Despite the quick turnaround, Shadow remains confident that his elite striking will translate seamlessly into a new rule set.
He just has to keep a few things in mind when he steps back into the ring:
“My body is ready for the next fight. I’m training normally now. All I need to do is cut weight, and I’ll be ready to get in the ring.
“I have to remember not to use my elbows in training or during the fight. I also need to be careful not to grab his legs or clinch with him.”
Shadow Respects Liu Mengyang’s Elite Kickboxing Credentials
While Shadow Singha Mawynn is undoubtedly overwhelmed with excitement ahead of his kickboxing debut, he knows there’s a tough test ahead.
Liu Mengyang himself is hungry for glory and is looking to make a run at the ONE World Title. The 22-year-old Chinese phenom announced his arrival on the global stage with a stunning upset over future ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Masaaki Noiri – a triumph that looks increasingly impressive given Noiri’s recent climb up the featherweight ladder.
Shadow has deep respect for Liu’s abilities. The Thai said:
“My opponent, Liu Mengyang, is a very good puncher, and he’s quick. In kickboxing, he’ll be a tough opponent for me.
“Facing Liu Mengyang, who beat Noiri, who is now the interim champion and is close to being a world champion, is a very difficult task for me. He’s very skilled in kickboxing, and I’m new to the sport.”
Though Shadow is confident of victory, he admits that Liu will present him with unique challenges. The Chinese striker’s technical skills create a complex clash of styles for the kickboxing newcomer.
Nevertheless, Shadow maintains unwavering faith in his destructive capabilities. The same power behind his knockout performances in the past may once again prove decisive against “Spirit Dragon.”
The Thai star shared:
“I haven’t seen any weaknesses in Liu Mengyang yet, but I think I’ll be able to find an opening or a way to win during the fight.
“I think my power could be an advantage. Throwing heavy strikes might wear him down.”
Shadow knows this fight with Liu will be anything but easy, and he’s getting ready for one of the toughest tests of his career.
For a man who dug himself out of poverty in rural Thailand to now compete on the largest platform for martial arts, conquering two disciplines represents the ultimate validation of his skills.
Shadow revealed how that destiny might unfold:
“In my last fight, I threw a spinning backfist and got a bonus. In kickboxing, I might have some new tricks. You’ll have to watch in the ring.
“If I win this kickboxing fight, I might want to continue fighting in kickboxing to develop my skills. In the future, I might fight in both kickboxing and Muay Thai.”
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