Kingad admits having second thoughts on facing Moraes

MANILA, Philippines — After getting twice denied from showcasing his wares, Danny Kingad is finally getting back into the cage.

But this time, the Team Lakay ward will be doing so with the ONE Championship spotlight hovering and shining brightly over his head.

The young Baguio City native will be taking on Brazilian grappling sensation Adriano Moraes for his Flyweight title this Friday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

"Medyo nabigla ako, kasi hindi ko alam eh, na-abot ko na ata 'yung high level nila,” Kingad said of finally getting a fight. “I’m always training pa rin.”

Although the news figured turned out as a double surprise, Kingad admitted.

“Medyo nakabahan ako, kasi nung sinabi nila na si Moraes yung makakalaban ko, nag-isip-isip ako,” he shared.

Kingad, who had been undefeated in the promotion, easily passes off as a novice in the circuit. While riding on an unbeaten streak of seven outings, the 22-year-old pales in comparison with the tested Moraes. The latter has fought in 18 pro matches and has defeated two Filipinos —one even being his challengers’ teammate, Geje Eustaquio.

For his part, though, Kingad is coming from a decorated fight stable and he has a handful of teammates who have fought in a title match. Heck, one’s a reigning king of his division himself — Eduard Folayang.

"Mga binigay talaga nila sa akin ay kung paano  palakasin yung loob para hindi talaga matatalo 'yung isip mo,” Kingad said of his mentors. “Lalong-lalo na si Coach Mark (Sangiao) at si Coach Eduard.”

"Sila talaga 'yung nagbigay sa akin ng chance na lumaban dito and sila 'yung nagbigay ng chance na palakasin 'yung loob ko,” he added.

On top of that, Kingad has also been training with Joshua Pacio, previously a title title contender in strawweight division.

“Sabi niya ‘Na-knock outin mo ‘yan, walang kaya ‘yan!’ Parang ganun, pinapa-lakas niya 'yung pakiramdam ko,” he said of his prep sessions with his fellow youngster.

Asked about his own assessment of his chances, Kingad, who is soon fighting before a partisan crowd, is nothing but smiles.

"Syempre excited para makuha natin 'yung belt na ‘yon,” he declared. “Well-prepared naman ako — emotionally tapos physically.”

Kingad and Moraes will share the main event with Folayang’s historic cross-divisional title defense newly minted Featherweight kingpin Martin Nguyen.