Rising star Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang targets an unforgettable debut despite the tremendous challenge that awaits him.
The Baguio City native takes on Senzo Ikeda of Japan on the undercard of ONE: CENTURY PART I at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan on 13 October.
Ikeda, who trains out Paraestra Matsudo, has a wealth of experience under his belt – he was a professional boxer and Pancrase Flyweight World Champion.
But the 37-year-old is 11 years the senior of the Team Lakay standout, and he only competed three times in the last two years.
In his last outing, the Japanese flyweight lost a decision against Adiwang’s teammate Danny “The King” Kingad in the quarterfinals of the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix Championship at ONE: A NEW ERA on 31 March.
Still, “Thunder Kid” is preparing for the best version of Ikeda.
“He wouldn’t be in ONE Championship if he was not one of the best. I have a lot of respect for Ikeda, and that’s why I’m really preparing hard for this,” Adiwang said.
"This is definitely going to be a good fight. And I expect the best version of him, especially since he’ll be competing in front of his countrymen."
The 26-year-old expects this match to be tightly contested, but the soft-spoken Filipino athlete believes his eagerness to leave an impression will be the deciding factor.
“I know he’s a well-rounded fighter. He’s a great standup fighter and a good grappler as well. I think it will be a good match-up because I really improved on those aspects as well,” the Team Lakay stalwart said.
“But I’m really determined to win this. I need this, especially since it’s on the biggest card of ONE. This is the best test for me, challenging a great athlete in his hometown,” he added. “We’ll see how far I’ve come now.”
It promises to be a captivating contest and a show stealer at the Ryogoku Kokugikan. But don’t ask Adiwang for a prediction, because the only thing he can guarantee is action.
"I just know I want to win, I want to do my best to win. I don't want fans to expect too much, but one thing is for sure, I’ll come and give the best of me,” Adiwang promised.
“This is my first main roster fight. That’s why it’s imperative to get a win decisive fashion to prove that I belong here.”
ONE: CENTURY is the biggest World Championship martial arts event in history. No organization has ever promoted two full-scale World Championship events in one day.
The Home Of Martial Arts breaks new ground as 28 World Champions compete in multiple World Title bouts, three World Grand Prix Championship Finals, and several World Champion versus World Champion matches at the famous Ryogoku Kokugikan on October 13 in Tokyo, Japan.
Download the ONE Super App to catch all the action live and for free.