Adiwang looks to bounce back in honor of late mother

Team Lakay’s Lito Adiwang. ONE CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Lito Adiwang is not fighting for himself anymore.

Adiwang, who lost his mother Leticia on December 30, said he is dedicating his future fights to the memory of the person who gave him life.

“There is nothing a mother wants more than to see her child happy and successful. I know my mother loved me so much, and she just really didn’t want me to get hurt, which is why she didn’t fully accept me being a fighter with her whole heart,” said Adiwang.

“But I chose this career, and I believe she was happy to see me succeed in what I love to do. I know in my heart she is proud of me, and I will continue to live my life in her honor.”

Leticia, Adiwang said, has suffered from multiple strokes since 2016.

Members of Team Lakay have shown their continuous support for the 27-year-old strawweight amid his mother’s struggles.

“My teammates have always been there for me. They’ve supported me through the hardest times. They are like family to me. I am very lucky to have a good support system,” said Adiwang.

To cope with the personal loss, Adiwang turned up his desire to get back to the winners’ circle up a notch.

Adiwang (11-3) wants nothing more in his professional career than to bounce back from controversial split loss to Hiroba Minowa in November of 2020.

Standing in his path to redemption is Hexi Getu as they’re set to face off on January 22 at Singapore Indoor Stadium.

“Nothing has changed in my mindset. The goal remains the same for me. I’m climbing to the top. If anything, I just got more motivated and driven. I want to prove myself in this next fight, and to do that, I have to be at my best,” said Adiwang.

He added that his losses in 2020, both professional and personal, made him a stronger fighter and person.

“I am more motivated now than ever to achieve my goals, and apply the lessons I learned in 2020, especially. I know the pressure is on, and I can feel the pressure. I know I have to prove myself to the world again, to earn the people’s trust. I’m working on coming back stronger than ever,” said Adiwang.

“I think everything happens for a reason. My setbacks today will be what makes me a better fighter for tomorrow. All the hard work I’m putting in will pay off in God’s perfect time. I just want to thank everyone for their support in my darkest hour. The race has just begun for me, but I promise to finish strong.”