FILE – Team Lakay’s Lito Adiwang. ONE CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Lito Adiwang believes Hiroba Minowa is “scared” to fight him in a rematch after the Japanese fighter claimed a second meeting with the Team Lakay rising star is not on his radar.
Adiwang lost to Minowa last October in a fight that could’ve gone either way. Minowa came away with a split decision win.
“He’s smart by playing it safe and not wanting a rematch with me. He felt what I can bring to the table, and he experienced it firsthand. The smart move would be to avoid me,” said Adiwang.
“I think he’s scared to get inside the Circle with me again.”
The fight also had its fair share of controversy with Minowa appearing to have tapped after Adiwang put him in a deep kimura lock in the first round.
“I don’t think you can say ‘a win is a win.’ Not in this sport. He can’t enjoy that victory because a lot of fans don’t accept the outcome. It was a close split decision that could have gone either way, that many people thought I won. The only way to prove total victory is in a rematch,” said Adiwang.
“In this sport, performances matter. That night, he got the victory, although it was a controversial one. He will always be haunted by the criticism that comes with it.”
Minnow has made it clear that he doesn’t plan on figuring in a rematch with Adiwang.
Adiwang, though, knows it’s just a matter of time before he gets his shot at redemption.
“Focus on higher-ranked fighters, because if you’re ever in the Circle with me again, you’re getting derailed,” said Adiwang.
“I’m sure me and him will meet each other again, as long as we both keep winning. That rematch is inevitable.”