Ramon “The Bicolano” Gonzales may have recently failed to display his more improved form inside the ring, but the Filipino up-and-coming star is still in positive mindset at the moment.
Gonzales’ much-awaited clash against “Wolf of the Grassland” Hexigetu of China at ONE: DREAMS OF GOLD in Bangkok, Thailand last Friday, 16 August was pulled out after the Filipino standout failed the second hydration test given to him.
A mandatory precautionary process ONE Championship is applying in every card. Competing athletes of the event were tested multiple times for both weight and hydration during match week. Failure to achieve adequate levels of hydration or weight will result in automatic bout cancellations.
Unfortunately, hours before his second appearance inside the ONE Championship stage this year, Gonzales was not given the green light to perform on the massive Bangkok card
“It’s no joke. It’s very hard for us fighters. I have my shortcomings, I reached weight but I failed on the hydration part,” Gonzales explained.
“I cried upon hearing the news. I’m sad because there are a lot of people who helped me out for this, a lot of people who believed in me. I was ready to fight that night, but I respect the decision.”
For Gonzales, the scenario was a bitter pill to swallow, but on top of the skills he has sharpened all throughout the training camp, the 32-year-old Albay City native also revealed that Bangkok has taught him valuable lessons he can apply for his future bouts.
“We learn new things everyday. I still consider myself as a newbie of the sport and this is a huge lesson for me, it’s something I can apply in my next bouts,” Gonzales said.
“I’ve learned the importance of staying healthy and at the same time this experience tested me emotionally simply because I’ve prepared for this, 100 percent then it won’t happen. Now I know how to handle it,” he added.
Now back to step one, Gonzales is currently on high spirits and looks to compete and continue his impressive streak as soon as possible.
The Kyoskushin karate black belt is also hoping that ONE Championship will still materialize his clash with Hexigetu in the future.
“I failed, yes but I will make sure that on my next fight, I’ll give my best. I’m willing to fight anytime, even in Vietnam this September,” Gonzales said.
“I also with that ONE Championship gives me the same opponent.”
