She may be facing a fellow wushu champion, but Team Lakay bet Gina Iniong is confident she still has the upper hand against Jihin Radzuan in their ONE women’s atomweight bout on Saturday in Bangkok.
Expecting a striking battle against the Malaysian rising star in ONE: Clash of Legends, Iniong believes she has the edge in that department.
“Jihin’s weakness is her striking,” said Iniong, a six-time Philippine Wushu Champion.
READ: Team Lakay’s Gina Iniong determined to get back into ONE title contention
“My game plan in our bout is, if we end up striking, we will strike with each other. If we end up on the ground, I will also play on the ground.”
Jihin, who is undefeated in four fights, is eager to disprove Ininong’s observation.
“Gina might be saying that based on my previous matches where I did not perform well from my striking, but people close to me know I’ve been active in kickboxing, Muay Thai, and boxing,” Jihin, an accomplished wushu practictioner, said.
READ: ONE: Gina Iniong bounces back, outwits Taiwanese foe
“If she chooses to stand and take me on, I’ve got no problem.”
Iniong, though, no doubt has a more extensive resume that includes fights against top names in her division.
And she plans to exploit her veteran advantage and try to end the fight early against Jihin, especially with a shot at the atomweight belt within reach.
“I predict that our match will end in the second round through ground and pound,” said Iniong.
Jihin refused to give any predictions.
“I’m not going to predict or expect anything from this match. She is the more experienced opponent, and she will put on a performance. However, I do not doubt my abilities and cannot look down on myself coming into the match,” Jihin stated.