ONE: As title shot looms, Gina Iniong stays focused on task at hand

Filpina dynamo Gina Iniong from Team Lakay. ONE CHAMPIONSHP PHOTO

An impressive victory over former world title challenger Istela Nunes on Saturday could put Filipino bet Gina Iniong in the conversation for a shot at the ONE Women’s atomweight world championship.

But as she faces Nunes in the undercard of ONE: Battle for Heavens in Guangzhou, China, a crack at the title this soon is going to be far from her mind.

“I don’t want to rush things. I have to keep training to keep my edge. I know I can be a world champion. I know that in my heart, so I have to work very hard to achieve that dream,” Iniong said.

“If I can keep getting better and keep winning, I know I will reach the top sooner or later. I am willing to do it step-by-step,” she added.

Iniong has slowly but surely worked her way to the top of her division, going from the losing end of a unanimous decision against Mei Yagamuchi to getting her hand raised after a statement victory over Jenny Huang in a span of less than a year.

“Every martial artist should have the sense of growth. This sport is consistently evolving, and every competitor should adapt to changes and improve their overall game. It’s either you adapt or you fail. I just learned my lesson,” Iniong said.

If Iniong can conquer another tough fighter in Nunes on Saturday, she could possibly be lined up as a next challenger to Angela Lee.

But the Baguio City native is not taking Nunes lightly.

“There’s always a right moment. Every bout is a lesson. We gain valuable knowledge every time we train and step into the battle,” she stressed. “I rather take a step-by-step approach. I am not looking past Istela Nunes right now. I know what’s at stake here.”