Rising star Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang is targeting an unforgettable debut to remember though he knows the tremendous challenge which awaits him.
The 26-year-old Baguio City native is set to duke it out with Pancrase Flyweight World Champion Senzo Ikeda of Japan on the undercard of the first part of ONE: CENTURY, which emanates from the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan on 13 October.
Adiwang’s Japanese counterpart Ikeda, has a wealth of experience under his belt, having competed at the top levels of both boxing and mixed martial arts for more than a decade against quality oppositions the sport has to offer.
But the 37-year-old Ikeda is 11 years the senior of Adiwang and just competed three times in the last two years. In his last outing, Ikeda lost via unanimous decision to Adiwang’s teammate, Danny “The King” Kingad in their quarterfinal match of the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix at ONE: A NEW ERA last March.
It’s a trap Adiwang refuses to fall into, as he prepares to measure himself against the very best version of his Japanese counterpart when they meet tomorrow morning.
“He won’t be in ONE Championship if he is not one of the best. I have a lot of respect for Ikeda and that’s why I’m really preparing hard for this,” Adiwang said.
“This is definitely going to be a good fight. And I expect the best version of him, especially since he’ll be competing in front of his countrymen.”
The Team Lakay representative believes that they match up well in all areas, which should result in an even and entertaining contest when they collide on 13 October. But if asked on what will be the main factor that will separate him from his Japanese opponent, Adiwang revealed that it will be his mindset going to this showdown.
“I know he’s a well-rounded fighter. He’s a great standup fighter and a good grappler as well. I think it will be a good match-up cause I really improved on those aspects as well,” Adiwang shared.
“But I’m really determined to win this. I really want. I need this, especially since it’s on the biggest card of ONE. This is the best test for me, challenging a great athlete in his hometown,” he added. “We’ll see how far I’ve come now.”
It promises to be a captivating contest and a possible show stealer at Ryogoku Kokugikan. But don’t ask Adiwang for a prediction. The only thing he can guarantee is action.
“I just know I want to win, I want to do my best to win. I don’t want fans to expect too much but one thing is for sure, I’ll come and give the best of me,” Adiwang promised.
“This is my first main roster fight that’s why it’s imperative to get a win decisive fashion to prove that I belong here.”
