MANILA, Philippines — Malaki ang tiwala ni Rene “The Challenger” Catalan na magwagi laban kay Peng Xue Wen ng China sa kanilang three-round strawweight undercard sa ONE: Kings of Courage sa Enero 20 sa Jakarta Convention Center sa Indonesia.
Malakas ngayon ang kumpiyansa ng dating wushu sanda standout bunga ng kanyang second round armbar panalo laban kay Adrian Matheis ng Indonesia noong Enero at kay Bu Huo You Ga ng China via unanimous decision noong Hulyo ng nakaraang taon.
“I am exerting a tremendous amount of effort in training. I want to keep on winning,” ani Catalan. “I am inspired to win my match this coming January 20 because I am representing the Philippines. It is always an honor to fight for my country. My goal in this bout is to win and bring pride to my nation,” sabi pa ni Catalan.
Mula nang matalo kay ONE strawweight world champion Alex “Little Rock: Silva, rumatsada si Catalan ng tatlong sunod na panalo mula 2016 para umakyat sa itaas ng kumpetisyon.
“I have a certain game plan, but I am prepared to defend against his wrestling style ,” dagdag ni Catalan.
Si Peng ay isang dating Chinese national youth Greco-Roman wrestling champion noong 2014, na nagsimula sa ONE: Legends of the World sa Manila noong Nobyembre.
Kung mananalo si Catalan malaki ang posibilidad na magkaroon siya ng tsansa na makalaban ulit sa isang ONE Strawweight World Championship si Silva.