Gina Iniong walang palalagpasing pagkakataon

MANILA, Philippines — Sasamantalahin ni Pinay fighter Gina Iniong, nasa kanyang ikatlong taon, ang lahat ng pagkakataon para maging kampeon sa ONE Championship.

Sasabak si Iniong ng Baguio City sa ONE: Fire & Fury katapat si Asha Roka sa Enero 31 sa Mall of Asia Arena sa Pasay City.

“Everyone wants to be a World Champion,” wika ni Iniong, may 4-2 record sa One: Championship at 8-4 sa kanyang career. “We will get there eventually, but right now, this next fight is the most important to me.”

Kinuha ni Iniong ang kanyang ikaapat na panalo sa ONE: Championship noong Pebrero matapos ilusot ang isang split decision win kontra kay Jihin Radzuan sa ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS.

Nakasagupa na rin ng Team Lakay-trained athlete sina dating ONE World Title challengers Istela Nunes, Jenny Huang at Mei Yamaguchi.

Nanalo si Yamaguchi sa kanilang huling laban noong 2017 habang nauna nang nagwagi si Iniong laban sa Japanese noong 2014.

“I have never thought about how many fights I need left before I get a title shot,” wika ni Iniong. “I am just focused on always getting that victory against whoever they put in front of me. I just want to showcase my best and win.”

Tangan naman ni Roka ang 4-1 marka at nakalasap ng kabiguan kay two-sport ONE World Champion Stamp Fairtex noong Agosto sa kanyang ONE debut.

“Right now, the only thing on my mind is beating Asha Roka,” ani Iniong. “That is what I am training for. I will take things one fight at a time. I believe in my abilities and trust in my team. Whatever opportunities come after, I will take it.

Ito ang unang laban ni Iniong sa harap ng kanyang mga kababayan matapos talunin si Huang noong 2018 sa ONE: Heroes of Honor.

Lalaban din sa event ang kanyang mga Team Lakay teammates sa pamumuno nina ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua Pacio, dating ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard Folayang at Danny Kingad.

“I am excited to climb the ring for ONE Championship again, and even more so that this event is in Manila,” ani Iniong. “I want to make the Filipino fans proud again so I am looking to give a good performance.”