ONE: Iniong uses past loss as motivation for next fight

PHOTO FROM ONE CHAMPIONSHIP

It’s been almost five months since Gina Iniong bowed to Mei Yamaguchi, a 27-fight veteran, via unanimous decision on Nov. 24 in ONE’s Immortal Pursuit card.

That loss has clawed steadily on Iniong’s psyche for almost half a year and she’s wanted nothing more than get back on the winning track.

“It was a tough loss, I was prepared for that bout but I didn’t perform the way I should against a veteran like Mei Yamaguchi,” said Team Lakay’s Iniong, who had fought  just nine times before she faced Yamaguchi. “She did her homework against me.”

Iniong will get her chance at redemption when she fights Jenny Huang (5-2) of Chinese Taipei in ONE: Heroes of Honor on April 20 at Mall of Asia Arena.

“It’s a privilege to compete with a talented martal artist like Jenny Huang and I am ready to give my countrymen an exciting bout,” said Iniong.

Huang, however, is no pushover as the 27-year-old went on a five-fight winning streak, the last three ending in submissions, before her two straight losses in 2017 snapped her momentum.

Iniong will also find another source of motivation against Huang as the submission specialist forced Team Lakay member April Osenio to tap out in December of 2016.

“I am not underestimating Jenny Huang by any means, to do so would be a terrible mistake,” said Iniong. “Even if I’m familiar with her style I will bring my A-game on the 20th of April.”

“It’s time to move on from my defeat last November. The future is bright for me. I have a tough opposition in front of me this coming April 20. If I want to be the next contender for the title, winning impressively against Jenny Huang will be my best option.”