Up to the task? Loman eager to prove he’s worthy of tough assignments
The quality of opponents thrown on Stephen Loman’s way may unnerve other fighters, but the pride of Baguio City sees things differently.
He thinks it’s a sign that ONE Championship has confidence in his abilities.
The Filipino martial artist tangles with Shoko Sato in a bantamweight encounter in the first part of ONE X – the historic card celebrating the promotion’s 10th anniversary – this Saturday, March 26.
The 26-year-old made his ONE debut by beating erstwhile #3-ranked Yusup Saadulaev via first-round knockout in December.
Before that matchup, Loman was set to face John Lineker, who recently captured the ONE Bantamweight World Title, but COVID-19 derailed that plan.
With the names assigned to him, ”The Sniper” is more motivated to work on his craft.
“I know they’re expecting a lot from me, especially since I already cracked the rankings. So now I just have to focus on my training because I know any time they can give me a fight,” he shared.
“I feel the pressure definitely. So on my end, my mindset, I just have to keep on training so I’m always prepared.”
For an athlete with just a single appearance in ONE so far, the Team Lakay veteran said he welcomes a stint in ONE X, another opportunity he doesn’t want to waste.
“I’ve been here for only nearly a year and I feel truly blessed to be part of this,” he said.
”I feel like ONE has been giving me a lot of faith and importance, especially after beating (Saadulaev). Now they’re giving me tougher fights and I’m closer to a World Title.”
Beating Sato would certainly draw ”The Sniper” nearer to his target – a shot at Lineker’s belt. Whether that comes sooner or later, all the Filipino martial artist can do is be prepared.
“If ONE feels like I deserve it right after this match then, of course, I’ll take it. But if they feel like I need to face more contenders, then that’s fine with me as well,” he stated.
“But that’s for another day. Now I am focused on my opponent and in this fight to further propel me in the rankings.”
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ONE X Fight Card Revealed, Bout Order Confirmed For Pay-Per-View
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