Gina Iniong Looking to Make Title Run in 2019
By Dan Paulo Errazo
With multiple ONE World Titles displayed proudly in their gym, Team Lakay has definitely become a household name over the past few years. Not willing to be left out, Gina “Conviction” Iniong is doing her best to make a name for herself in 2019.
The lady Lakay warrior was off to a good start in 2018r when took home a unanimous decision victory over former title challenger Jenny “Lady Gogo” Huang at ONE: HEROES OF HONOR. A few months later, she stepped in the ring with Istela Nunes where she was dominated by the Muay Thai world champion, allowing the Brazilian to land more significant shots en route to a unanimous decision.
“My loss to Nunes was a wake-up call for me. I knew I had to make a change, that I need to step up my game more,” Iniong admitted.
Looking back at her performance, Iniong saw the difference between their skills. This gave her the realization that she has a lot of work to do and she started working immediately with her teammates and coach.
“Since then, I dedicated my time and effort to improve my overall game. It was a decision I had to make, and one that I continue to do in training while preparing for my next bout,” Iniong said.
Iniong is not wasting any time preparing herself for her first match of the year on 16 February. After all, she will be facing undefeated Malaysian Jihin “Shadow Cat” Radzuan at ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS in Bangkok, Thailand.
Radzuan put on the performance of her career during her last match against Huang at ONE: DESTINY OF CHAMPIONS. She landed multiple combinations and dominated the ground exchanges last December in her hometown.
Iniong knows what she is up against.
“We know how good Radzuan is that’s why we have a great game plan ready for this match. I am very fortunate to have an amazing team supporting my development and building my confidence,” Iniong said.
Despite his busy schedule training the other Team Lakay athletes for their matches in January, coach Mark Sangiao was still able to work with Iniong closely to make sure that she’s ready for her upcoming match.
“Coach Mark has put together a sound strategy that will put me in the best position to win. It is going to be an exciting match, and I cannot wait to test my skills once again,” Iniong added.
With top contenders for the ONE Women’s Atomweight World Title in the likes of Priscilla “Thathie” Hertati Lumban Gaol and Radzuan, Iniong is working hard to top them off and challenge Angela “Unstoppable” Lee for the title.
“This is a crucial match for me. I need to prove that I still belong in the title conversation. I need a statement-making victory,” Iniong confessed.
With her eyes set on the prize, she knows that she has what it takes to be the first Filipina to bring home a World Title in the entire history of The Home of Martial Arts.
“Now my dedication and hunger for this sport are in an all-time high, I know I can turn my previous setback into triumph. I am ready for anything,” Iniong concluded.
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