Rene Catalan. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Filipino Rene Catalan felt he was worthy to be the replacement challenger to compatriot Joshua Pacio for the strawweight title in the main event of ONE: Eternal Glory on January 19 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Pacio was initially to defend his title in a rematch against Hayato Suzuki but the Japanese had to withdraw from the fight due to an injury and another Japanese in Yosuke Saruta was put in his place.
Catalan, a decorated wushu world champion, thought he had done enough to finally earn a title shot having won five consecutive fights over the last two years, including a second-round stoppage of Chinese prospect Peng Xue Wen last January and a one-sided win over Stefer Rahardian five months ago.
“I think my previous performances can vouch for my position as a contender for the belt. I scored five-straight victories against top-tier opponents, which qualifies me to be a title contender,” Catalan said.
Despite waiting for another time to get a crack at the crown, Catalan said he accepts ONE’s decision in choosing Saruta.
“I respect their decision for choosing Yosuke Saruta. Of course, there is a reason behind it. I accept it wholeheartedly. It’s not my time yet,” he said. “I am patiently waiting. I know it will come.”
Catalan, who turned 40 this month, believes his time will eventually come.
“My goal is to keep on winning until my time to compete for the title comes,” he stressed. “This kind of situation motivates me more. I expect big and favorable things to happen this 2019.”