Toquero raring to get back on track

MANILA, Philippines -- Eugene Toquero feels he's ready to fight even one month before he face the young and undefeated Malaysian fighter Gianni Subba on May 2, 2014 at the Mall of Asia Arena in the One Fighting Championship: Rise of Heroes.

“Pwede na kahit bukas eh, pero may isang buwan pa so ensayo parin,” Toquero said in full confidence.

Toquero’s preparation is quite unorthodox compared to other fighters since he never saw any of Gianni Subba’s fights.  He said that it was part of his mental preparation heading to the fight and he just relies on friends to tell him how Subba performs in the ring.

“Marami nagsasabi at yun nalang pinagbasehan ko,”Toquero said “Di ko kaya talaga tignan mga laban nya at parang inunderestimate ko sarili ko. Para sakin gusto ko sya ma-surprise hindi ako yung masusurprise.”

Making his debut against fellow Filipino, Geje Eustaquio, Toquero fought hard but he was not able to bring down his opponent in 3 rounds and resulting to a defeat via unanimous decision. He said that he has worked on his ground play but still thinks if he had another fight with Eustaquio, he may win it this time.

“Tinitignan  ko yung laban namin. Ok naman. Masaya naman ako kasi hindi naman ako napagod at nasabayan ko sya hangang 3 (rounds). Noong napagod ako, nakita ko rin na pagod sya kaya sabi ko tabla lang,” Toquero said. "Noong last round, ako pa nga yung humahabol at baka makatsamba pero takbo ng takbo so pano ko mastambahan kung tumatakbo? Better luck next time nalang.”

Though he was defeated, Toquero never really thought of quitting OneFC but instead, he wants to get back to the ring even more. The loss still hurts him by just thinking about it but this time around he vows to become much better than before.

“Medyo masakit tsaka lesson din at dapat magsipag ka.  ‘Wag tumigil magensayo at ‘wag tumigil humanap ng ibang technique. Basta tuloy tuloy lang. Part talaga yun sa laban eh. Kaya noong natalo ako, January palang nagumpisa na ako. Masakit sa isang fighter kapag natalo,” Toquero said.

“Dalawang klase ng fighter meron kapag  natalo, yung isa umaayaw. Ako, gusto ko kapag natalo ako, babawi ako. Hindi kasi ako makatulog,” Toquero added.

Toquero will now enjoy and cherish full homecourt advantage this time around. He expects that the entire crowd at the SM MOA Arena will be on his side during his fight.

“Masaya, medyo pwede magyabang. Kapag magyabang ka, sayo parin ang mga tao kasi dayo naman yung isa. Pero kung magyabang ako, paninindigan ko yun. Gusto ko kapag nagyabang ako pag natalo ko nay un,” Toquero said.

Experience will be Toquero’s advantage over the younger Subba, who is only 21 years of age. Though the record may not show it but Eugene emphasized that his experience on fighting outside will be his primary weapon in conquering Subba.

“Mas may advantage ako dahil mas beterano. Pag beterano mas madaming baon at di madali masaktan kesa sa bata,” Toquero said.

Despite the experience, Toquero expressed that joining OneFC was the toughest. All of the fighters are on a higher level and he has to take his game to greater heights.

“Mas maraming magagaling (in ONEFC) at mas maraming foreigner. Nandito mga powerhouse ng ibang bansa. Hindi ka pwede magpa-easy easy,” Toquero said.

Joking aside, Eugene was even asked if ever he would like to test his confidence and fight a heavyweight.

“Sige pwede basta may taga akong dala. Kahit makabenteng sapak ka dun at maisahan ka lang lugi ka pa eh.”