Rising star Fierre Afan is making a name for himself from one overseas tournament to another—this time capturing his first-ever title as a world grappling champion.
Three months after ruling the United World Grappling Asian Championships with two gold medals last June in Astana, Kazakhstan, the 19-year-old grappler from Marikina City dominated the 2023 World Grappling Championship last Tuesday in Warsaw, Poland.
Afan, representing the Philippines for the third straight time, showed his brute strength in the -71 kg GP Gi men’s division final, stunning French Ethan Sebastian Forrez, 15-2, for his first world champion gold medal.
“It was so difficult, but I made it. It’s so sweet,” said Afan, who will be representing the country in the World Combat Games October 21 to 30 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. “All opponents here are so strong, quick, versatile and smart that’s why I fought wisely, and I outsmarted everyone.”
Afan beat 20-year-old Poles Eryk Marcin Szychowski, 10-3, in his first fight before subduing Alau Sakenuly of Kazakhstan, 4-2, in the semifinal round.
Lucas Aguilar, the son of Wrestling Association of the Philippines president Alvin Aguilar, bagged two bronze medals 63 kg U-17 grappling gi and no gi classes.
Aside from Afan and Aguilar, other Filipino grapplers supported in the tournament by the Philippine Amusements Gaming Corporation, the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission, were Aisa Ratcliff, Lucho Aguilar, Joko Silverio and Annie Parungao.
Afan was coached by Alvin Aguilar and Michael Tabamo. Lester del Rosario also served as the an international referee during the weeklong competitions.
“He [Afan] has definitely proven himself time after time that he’s ready for bigger things,” Aguilar, also the founder of DEFTAC, said. “I am looking forward to Afan’s future and I am very excited to see him fight in the World Combat Games.”
