spot_img
26.1 C
Philippines
Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Lineker sends stern warning to world champ: Bibiano must fear me

- Advertisement -

John “Hands of Stone” Lineker had some words for reigning ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes ahead of the former’s bout against “Pretty Boy” Troy Worthen. 

Lineker looks to solidify his spot as Fernandes’ next challenger when he takes on Worthen in the main event of the previously recorded “ONE on TNT III,” which airs this Thursday, 22 April, on One Sports. 

“Bibiano must fear me because I’m focused on the title shot and I will not stop until I can fight him,” Lineker told ONEFC.com.

“I’m the most dangerous ONE bantamweight. Nothing can stop me. I’m motivated and ready. I’ll knock everybody out until I get the World Title.”

- Advertisement -

The Brazilian was supposed to take on Team Lakay’s Stephen “The Sniper” Loman, but the latter had to pull out because of COVID-19 precautions. 

Still, Lineker is happy that Worthen took the challenge on short notice, and he believes this is just another step in his goal of meeting Fernandes in the future. 

“I’m very happy to fight in the main event. This responsibility is good. I’m ready — not only for this fight, but to become ONE’s World Champion,” Lineker said. 

“I have had two fights in ONE so far. I’m ready for the title shot. This is the next goal, the next step, and I believe I’m more than ready for this moment.”

The confidence is certainly warranted. 

Lineker has been on a tear since entering The Home Of Martial Arts, beating Muin “Tajik” Gafurov in his debut before scoring a sensational second-round KO win over former ONE Bantamweight World Champion Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon. 

“My fight against Belingon was tough. He’s a versatile opponent who kicks a lot, but I frustrated his game plan with my boxing skills,” Lineker said. 

“I realized I was going to knock Belingon out when I started hitting him with body shots. He began to scream when [his body] was punched, so I knew I had found the way to victory and I finished him.”

He doesn’t want to send the wrong message that he’s overlooking Worthen by talking about his future so much, but he believes he has prepared for this match well.

“All fights are dangerous, but I’m prepared in all aspects and ready for war. I have great boxing skills and I’m evolving my grappling game,” Lineker said. 

“Like in my other fights, my goal will be to knock my opponent out. This time won’t be different. I don’t like to leave it in the hands of the judges.

“I like all kinds of challenges. Tough fights make me stronger, so come and get it, ‘cause I’m always ready. I want to put on a show for the fans.”

Catch the previously recorded “ONE on TNT III” on ONE Sports or ONE Sports+ at 8:30 a.m. Philippine Standard Time (PHT) on Thursday, April 22. It will also air simultaneously on the ONE Super App.

Both ONE Sports and ONE Sports+ will have an encore showing at 8:30 p.m. PHT on Friday, April 23.

Also, there will be an encore showing on TV5 at 12 a.m. PHT on Sunday, April 25.

- Advertisement -

LATEST NEWS

Popular Articles