Soriano: Conditioning gave me confidence

YANGON, Myanmar—Filipino ONE Championship fighters Burn “The Hitman” Soriano and Jeremy “The Jaguar” Miado exuded confidence as they faced interviewers during the media conference at the Rose Garden Hotel here yesterday, saying they are motivated and ready for combat. 

 Soriano tests the mettle of Chen Lei of China, while Miado battles Pongsiri “The Smiling Assassin” Mitsatit of Thailand in the undercards of ONE: Hero’s Dream at the Thuwunna Indoor Stadium on Friday.

Filipina Atomweight fighter Jomary “The Zamboanginian Fighter” Torres also sees action at ONE: Hero’s Dream when she takes on Nita Dea of Indonesia.

Myanmar’s sporting hero ONE Championship World Middleweight Champion “The Burmese Python” Aung La N Sang battles heavyweight Alain Ngalani in a non-title open weight bout in the main event.

Soriano has had a spectacular if checkered professional career. He has three losses and three wins, with all his fights ending by knockout or submission all in the first round.

The Filipino says he has gained much-needed confidence with the help of conditioning coach George Castro, who has prepared him to fight the distance in his three-round fight.

“I’ve changed my outlook during fights because of my conditioning. Before I wanted to finish my fights quickly because I was worried about my conditioning. That’s no longer the case because I have coach George (Castro) who helped in my preparation. I’m well prepared to go the full 15 minutes of the fight if needed,” said Soriano in Filipino.

Miado, on the other hand, takes on a dangerous Muay Thai fighter. The Bicol-born Marikina resident is upbeat and sees a slam-bang affair.

“I expect an exciting fight. We are both strikers so I expect to trade punches and kicks at the center of the cage. I’ve prepared for six weeks for this fight so I’m ready,” Miado said.

Miado trains at the Underground Boxing Gym (formerly The Goat Locker) in Marikina, where he also works as trainer for those wishing to learn the fighting art.

 “My opponent is a dangerous striker. He’s fast, hits hard and has great cardio. I think his only weakness is wrestling. So I’ll try to take him to the ground when I get an opening,” Miado said.

 Miado lost by split decision to Robin Catalan last April in his first fight with ONE Championship. Before that he was riding the crest of a six-fight winning streak in other promotions.

 “The loss was disappointing because it left a mark on my clean record. That’s why I’m eager to fight again and start another streak. But I was glad that I was finally able to fight with ONE Championship. The fight was really close. I will do everything to win my next fight. I’m hoping that I’ve learned enough lessons to win my next fight,” said Miado.