ONE: Adiwang wants rematch vs Minowa

Team Lakay’s Lito Adiwang. ONE CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Lito Adiwang was on a seemingly unstoppable rise in ONE Championship’s strawweight division dealing with enemies left, right, and center.

That seven-fight winning streak, however, ended when Adiwang suffered a split decision loss to Hiroba Minowa in ONE: Inside the Matrix III on November 11 at Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Adiwang was one of the promotion’s biggest prospects with four of his first five fights ending via either knockout or knockout.

The Thunder Kid nearly added another submission victory to his resume when he appeared to lock a Kimura in the first round which some observers believe made the Japanese tap.

That motion, however, was never recorded and Adiwang acknowledges that he can’t do anything about the result.

“A lot of fans told me they noticed he tapped in the first round. I’m not going to say anything except that I am asking for a rematch so we can close the case. The best way to end the speculation is by having a rematch,” said Adiwang.

“I respect him a lot. He has the skill and the talent. But he’s not the strongest fighter I have faced. I just made some key mistakes that led to an undesirable result.”

Adiwang, who is already back home in the Baguio City, is determined to use the loss as a learning experience.

“I learned a lot from that fight alone. I will come back from this a much better fighter. I think this loss is actually a blessing I can look back on. I know I can’t leave the decision in the judges’ hands. Lesson learned,” said Adiwang.

“It’s still a setback. Honestly, I didn’t see it coming. I fully expected to win. But looking at the big picture, it’s a positive thing. It’s valuable experience to be better.”