SEAG gold medalist to fight in ONE C’ship

Fresh from capturing the kickboxing gold medal in last December’s Southeast Asian Games, Gina Iniong resumes her quest for a shot at the atomweight title as she clashes with Indian Asha Roca in the ONE: Fire and Fury set January 31 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

“Everyone wants to be a world champion,” said Iniong. “We will get there eventually, but right now, this next fight is the most important to me.”

The Baguio-based, Team Lakay standout, however, will have to familiarize herself with mixed martial arts again as her last fight came almost a year ago since she has to focus on her kickboxing training in preparation for the SEA Games.

What was left is the memory of her impressive split decision victory over former wushu world champion Jihin Radzuan of the United States in ONE: Clash of Legends in February last year in Bangkok, Thailand, which hiked her record to 8-4 (win-loss).

Now, she faces an opponent who owns a 4-1 slate and itching to bounce back from a heartbreaking third round submission defeat to Thai Nong Stamp in ONE: Dreams of Gold last April also in Bangkok.

“Right now, the only thing on my mind is beating Asha Roka,” said 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.

“Asha Roka is a striker who has very good boxing. I think her weakness may be in her ground game. I think I am the more wellrounded fighter. That is the difference between us,” she added.

Since jumping from the Pacific X-treme Combat to ONE two years ago, Iniong has won her first two fights but alternated with a loss and a win after it in her next four that pegged his record to 4-2 in ONE. —