Photo from ONE Championship
Jomary “The Zamboanginian Fighter” Torres is raring to bounce back from her first loss three months ago and end the year on a high note.
But it won’t be an easy road back to the winner’s circle for Torres with former ONE world title contender Mei “V.V” Yamaguchi of Japan standing in her way in a three-round atomweight affair in the main card of ONE: Destiny of Champions on Friday at Axiata Arena in Kuala, Lumpur, Malaysia.
Torres’ undefeated start of four wins was snapped by Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol via unanimous decision at Conquest of Heroes in Jakarta, Indonesia.
But despite the defeat, Torres never felt discouraged. Instead, she took the setback as an added motivation for her to come back better than ever.
“My loss last September is a big lesson,” she said. “It is sometimes better to feel that. You come to know that you have to work harder and harder. I have learned many things, and now I have more dedication and hunger for this sport.”
Torres said she’s put the loss behind as she sets her sights on Yamaguchi.
“I was born for tough situations. Deep in my heart, I know I can turn this setback into triumph. I am ready for anything,” she said.
Like Torres, Yamaguchi also seeks to get back on track falling to Angela Lee for the ONE women’s atomweight belt last May.
“We know that Yamaguchi is a versatile athlete, and I’m ready for whatever she brings,” Torres said. “I learned my lesson the hard way. I feel stronger and more confident.”
“I want to show everyone that I improve every time I step into the cage,” she vowed. “I was on the right track to becoming one of the division’s elite, but I got railed off. I don’t have any plans of losing again because I want to reclaim that spot.”