FILE –Danny Kingad vs Reece Mclaren. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Danny Kingad is more than willing to give Reece McLaren another shot three years since their first fight ended in a close decision.
McLaren called out Kingad following the Australian’s first-round submission win over Xie Wei at ONE 158 and the Team Lakay warrior is not the type to back down from any challenge.
“I think he doesn’t believe that he lost in our first fight, that’s why he wants that rematch. Knowing Team Lakay and knowing myself, we’re not backing down from anyone. I’m ready if ever we fight each other again. Give me the date and place,” Kingad, the fourth-ranked flyweight contender, said.
Kingad won 13 of his first 14 fights including a split decision victory over McLaren back in August 2019.
But he’s lost two of his last three bouts to Demetrious Johnson and Kairat Akhmetov since.
The losses, however, have made the 26-year-old Kingad a better fighter.
“My loss against Kairat taught me a lot. I saw a lot of areas that I need to work on after my last match,” he said.
“You can say my would-be fight with Reece, if ONE Championship will make it happen, is a kind of redemption match for me, but the most vital thing to do is answer Reece’s call-out.”