Kevin Belingon. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—It is said that familiarity breeds contempt, but for Kevin Belingon it creates hunger.
Belingon is set to fight rival Biniano Fernades for the third time in his career but this time it’s the defense of his ONE World bantamweight championship.
While the 31-year-old out of Team Lakay is aware that Fernandes, the man he defeated for the belt, is eager for the win, but he knows he needs to be hungrier than his Brazilian opponent.
“The Bibi I faced in my previous fight is the same Bibi I will face again but I won’t ever underestimate his skills because he’s that good of a fighter,” said Belingon (20-5) Thursday at Gloria Maris in Gateway during Team Lakay’s media lunch.
“I’ll train hard for this fight because I know he’s really hungry coming into the fight but I am hungrier than him. I’m hungrier for that victory.”
Belingon had been on a six-fight winning streak since he lost to Fernandes in their first fight back in January of 2016 and this string of victories set up their second fight on November 9, 2018 at Singapore Indoor Stadium.
It was a split decision win for Belingon but it was still a stinging loss to Fernandes (22-4), who hadn’t lost a fight since December of 2010 and had ruled the ONE Championship bantamweight division since 2013.
Belingon said he has a different mindset coming into his third fight against Fernandez when he still entered the ring as the challenger.
“Now I’m the champion and of course I’m always motivated because I’m the one holding the title,” said Belingon. “To remain as the champion I have to train hard and be at my best.”