Team Lakay’s Danny Kingad. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Filipino Danny Kingad is set to face a different opponent in Senzo Ikeda in the Flyweight World Grand Prix quarterfinals in ONE: A New Era on March 31 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan.
Ikeda, the reigning Pancrase flyweight world champion, replaced Andrew Leone in the match after the American withdrew due to an injury.
The 23-year-old Kingad will have to make do with the limited time left to prepare for Ikeda.
Although, he has no problems in making the necessary adjustments ahead of his big bout.
“I am prepared for whoever ONE Championship puts in front of me,” said Kingad.
“I have trained hard and prepared well for the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix, so I am confident that I can take on anyone in the tournament who stands in my way,” he added.
Aside from being confident, Kingad knows he needs to be cautious as well against the Japanese veteran.
Ikeda has been on a tear having won his last four fights before being signed by ONE Championship.
“Senzo Ikeda is a talented competitor, and he has a lot of momentum behind him with four-straight wins, but I have faith in my capabilities and my skills,” the Team Lakay up-and-comer said.
“I believe that I can put an end to that winning streak. My goal is to win this tournament. To do that, I will need to show my best in all of the matches, starting with this first one against Ikeda.”