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Friday, March 29, 2024

Iniong reignites talks of world title shot after Bangkok win

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Gina “Conviction” Iniong’s recent win over Jihin “Shadow Cat” Radzuan at ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS last Saturday, 16 February jumpstarted her bid for a World Title shot.

The 29-year-old pride of Team Lakay proved that she is still in the mix of things in the division as she overwhelmed the erstwhile-unbeaten Malaysian towards a well-earned split decision victory.

Now her bid to become the first-ever Filipina World Champion in ONE Championship is alive, and her path towards it is pretty apparent right now.

“That bout taught me to never lose confidence in yourself,” Iniong recalled as she held off a late uprising from Jihin in the third round.

“It showed exactly what I am capable of as a fighter. I can’t wait for my next challenge.”

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For her teammate and reigning ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard Folayang, Iniong must erase her previous losses in order to move forward and get a shot at longtime ONE Atomweight World Champion Angela Lee.

Losses to Mei “V.V” Yamaguchi of Japan and Istela Nunes of Brazil derailed what was Iniong’s once healthy shot at a title.

“She may very well have to fight Mei Yamaguchi and Istela Nunes again to prove her worth,” said Folayang who was exultant to see his teammate get back to her winning ways.

Another option for Iniong is a date with Indian rising star Puja Tomar, who is also coming off a huge win in her last outing.

Like Iniong, Tomar came away with a momentum-building victory when she defeated Indonesian standout Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol by way of split decision at ONE: ETERNAL GLORY this past January.

 Whoever she faces, Iniong insists that she is ready for whoever stands in her way.

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