AS newly crowned ONE Bantamweight World Champion Fabricio “Wonder Boy” Andrade navigated through his emotions after his destruction of John “Hands of Stone” Lineker, he knew that the competition was only going to get tougher.
Battling his emotions following a brilliant win over his compatriot last Saturday, 25 February, at ONE Fight Night 7, Andrade found some time to call out who he believes is up next.
“It’s unbelievable I don’t know how to explain what I’m feeling right now,” Andrade told Mitch Chilson after the match. “We already got a contender in line. [Stephan] Loman, you want this? Come get it.”
That was music to Loman’s ears.
All signs point to the third-ranked bantamweight contender as the next man up following an impressive run in The Home of Martial Arts. After all, he’s taken wins over some of the toughest names in the division in Yusup Saadulaev, Shoko Sato, and former ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano Fernandes.
With Andrade the new champ, Loman is excited to step up to the challenge.
“I felt thrilled when he mentioned my name. He knows I’m next on his list and, for sure, I won’t back down from this fight,” Loman said.
“The Sniper” was impressed with how the compatriots faced off inside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium as they went at it from the opening bell.
Both fighters ate clean shots before the match ended in between the fourth and fifth rounds when Lineker wasn’t able to continue.
“They had no feeling out process in the first round. They were able to absorb the damage well. John showcased his wrestling. But he also tried to knock Andrade out so he stayed on his feet at times. For Andrade, he fully utilized his straight hands and beautifully set up his jabs and knees,” Loman said.
“They had a great fight. They just went at it, kept trading blows and kicks until John was unable to continue anymore in the fifth round.”
That said, he knows that all of the focus will be on him, and he’s ready to face the red-hot Brazilian.
“Congratulations on the win,” Loman said. “He performed well. I am ready to accept his challenge and I would love to fight him anytime, anywhere.”
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