SA ikatlong pagkakataon, muling magsasanga ang landas nina Pinoy world champion Kevin ‘The Silencer’ Belingon at Brazilian star Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes.
Sa pagkakataong ito, itataya ng pambato ng Team Lakay ng Baguio City ang ONE Bantamweight World Championship sa pinakahihintay na duwelo bilang co-main event sa ONE: A New Era sa Marso 31 sa Tokyo, Japan.
Ang title-defense ni Belingon ang huling napagkasunduan sa fight card para sa kauna-unahang ONE Championship sa Japan. At kung pagbabasehan ang naging kampanya sa kasalukuyan, kumpiyansa si Belingon sa nalalapit na laban.
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“I started 2019 enjoying the company of my family and friends,” pahayag ni Belingon.
“I wasn’t worried at all that I didn’t have a schedule to defend my title yet. I was in light training just in case. You never know when the call could come, and it was best to be prepared.”
Iginiit ni Belingon na hindi na siya nasopresa nang malamang kasama sa fightcard at ikinasiya ang desisyon, gayong kasama niyang lalaban ang mga kasangga sa Team Lakay na sina Eduard Folayang at Danny Kingad.
“I had a feeling I would be defending my title against Bibiano again,” sambit ni Belingon.
“It was inevitable given how close the last bout was. I don’t mind. I’m excited and willing to prove myself once again.”
Unang nagkaharap sina Belingon at Fernandes noong Enero 2016 kung saan nabigo ang Pinoy via tapped-in sa first round. Nakabawi si Belingon noong 2018 sa pahirapang split decision.
Sa ikatlong pagkakataon, inaasahan ni Belingon na higit na paspasan ang laban.
“I know this is going to be the toughest bout of my career,” pahayag ni Belingon.
“I have prepared well for him again. I think I know him very well now. It’s going to be a tough fight.”
“I’m going for the finish. This time, when I see the opening, I’m going to take it. ’m going to be aggressive and strong. With my Team Lakay brothers at cageside, I will have the strength and power to defeat him,” aniya.
