Looking for an elusive win under the ONE Championship banner, Filipino lightweight Richard “Notorious” Corminal is out to make a definitive statement in his promotional return.
He is slated to face India’s Rahul “The Kerala Krusher” Raju in a three-round lightweight affair at ONE: ENTER THE DRAGON, which emanates from the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Friday, 17 May.
Nearly 14 months removed from his last bout, the Malaysia-based Filipino is in high spirits and he plans to kickstart his 2019 campaign on a positive note.
“I am really excited,” the 37-year-old said.
“This is my first match this year, and I want to showcase everything that I worked hard for and sacrificed for throughout the year.”
While other athletes cower after a string of setbacks, Corminal is determined not to fall into that category. He is eager to redeem himself on the global stage for martial arts.
For “Notorious,” his struggles are now in the rearview mirror and it has only motivated him.
“I am so hungry for a win. In 2018, I tried hard, but I didn’t get a win. Now, I’ll do everything to finally get that breakthrough,” he shared.
“I have learned a lot in those losses. I know I have to work extra hard and be more determined so I can further improve.”
The man standing in his path is Raju, who, like Corminal, also seeks his first victory in the world’s largest martial arts organization.
An Ultimate Satira Champion, the 28-year-old Indian will carry a slight hometown advantage into this match-up, as he has been living in “The Lion City” since 2011.
“Rahul is a very good martial artist,” Corminal said. “He’s well-rounded, and that’s why we’ve been preparing heavily because we know he’s no slouch.”
Though a tough test awaits him in his return, Corminal is unfazed. He is stepping into the Circle for his country as well as his family, and that is his ultimate motivation.
A win here would be the perfect statement that he belongs on the global stage.
“I want to show to everyone that I continuously improve each time I fight. I want my family to be proud of me because all these sacrifices are for them,” Corminal shared. “I will do everything to get that win in Singapore.”