ONE: Team Lakay’s Kingad ready for war vs Japanese foe

PHOTO FROM ONE CHAMPIONSHIP

JAKARTA—Facing a dangerous opponent in Yuya Wakamatsu, Danny Kingad has prepared for any kind of challenge that Yuka Wakamatsu could throw at him.

Kingad (7-1) and Wakamatsu (10-2) face off the stacked main card of the ONE: Conquest of Heroes on Saturday at Jakarta Convention Center here.

“I have seen a few of [Yuya Wakamatsu’s] highlights, and I know that he is a very dangerous opponent. He likes to strike and I think we will try to strike with me,” said Kingad. “But I am ready to take this fight, whether on the ground or on the feet.”

The Team Lakay fighter, though, expects his Japanese foe to go to his strength which is striking in what is expected to be an action match.

“Fans will be happy with our fight. I think Wakamatsu’s strength is the striking however, so let’s see. I am ready for a stand up war. I believe it will also be a good test for me.”

Kingad is looking to extend his win streak to three this year in his third fight since his submission loss to Adriano Moraes in 2017, where he got pinned with a rear naked choke in the opening round of their ONE Flyweight title fight.

“I have learned a lot over the past year since my experience challenging for the ONE Flyweight World Championship. I can say that I have improved a lot since then. I am definitely more serious when it comes to my training, especially that I’m now a father,” said the Baguio City-native, who welcomed his first child last month.

He has his work cut out for him against Wakamatsu, a sensational knockout artist who is always looking for an explosive finish, especially that he’s making his debut in the promotion.

But Kingad is confident that he put in the work to be able to snag the victory and set the tone for stablemate Joshua Pacio, who is fighting in the main event for the ONE Strawweight world championship.

“I have worked very hard with my brothers at Team Lakay over the past few months, despite the heavy rain in Baguio. I am well prepared.”