ONE: Recent callouts proof of Team Lakay fighters’ status as ‘worthy’ foes

FILE–Team Lakay coach Mark Sangiao. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Being called out is nothing new to Team Lakay fighters.

That’s why Team Lakay headmaster Mark Sangiao knows his wards are more than ready for the challenge no matter the opponent.

Three fighters have recently voiced their intentions to fight the Baguio-based warriors.

Fabricio Andrade wants a piece of Stephen Loman, Reece McLaren is interested in going toe-to-toe with Danny Kingad while Gurdarshan Mangat aims to test his mettle against former ONE flyweight champion Geje Eustaquio.

“We have been summoned on many occasions before but three call-outs in a single event is definitely something. We are being sought after and I want to think that it’s because our Team Lakay athletes are par excellence and are worthy to be faced by the same elite athletes inside the ring,” Sangiao said.

Of the three, a clash between Andrade and Loman has the makings of an all-out war.

Andrade, the rising Brazilian star, is coming off a knockout win over highly-ranked South Korean fighter Kwon Won Il at ONE 158 last week.

Loman, on the other hand, has had an impressive first two fights at ONE to climb to number three in the bantamweight rankings.

And it’s only a matter of time before the two cross paths on their way to getting a crack at John Lineker for the world title.

“In any case, from Lineker or from Andrade, I have a firm goal to bring the belt home to the Philippines,” said Loman.

“We are aiming at the same target and that’s to face John Lineker and be the World Champion in the Bantamweight division. Surely Andrade is a tough one and if he will get the chance to fight Lineker before me and if he aces out Lineker then I am all up to grab the belt from him, if given the opportunity.”