Danny “The King” Kingad has no problems taking on a different opponent in the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix semifinals when he clashes with Reece “Lightning” McLaren at ONE: DAWN OF HEROES at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila on August 2.
Kingad was scheduled to go head-to-head against former ONE Flyweight World Champion Kairat “Kazakh” Akhmetov. However, Akhmetov got injured and was forced to withdraw from his much-awaited clash with the Filipino phenom.
While disappointed that Akhmetov pulled out, Kingad hopes nothing but the best for his injured rival.
“When they told me that Kairat was injured, I was shocked at first cause I really wanted to fight him,” said Kingad.
“But I know the time will come in the future wherein we’ll be competing. I hope he’s okay now and I’m wishing him a successful recovery.”
Kingad, however, is delighted to have McLaren as his replacement.
Wanting to battle nothing but the best, Kingad will get exactly what he hopes for as he takes on the former ONE Bantamweight World Title contender in Manila.
For Kingad, the situation could not have worked out to his favor any better.
“I’ve seen him compete many times and I know he’s a terrific athlete. I don’t think I’ll have a hard time adjusting cause he’s pretty similar to Kairat,” said Kingad.
“If there’s an adjustment I have to make, it’s their stance. Kairat is southpaw while McLaren is orthodox.”
Looking at McLaren’s game, Kingad exhumed confidence that he can be better at his Australian foe in every aspect of the game.
While acknowledging that McLaren presents a tough challenge for him, Kingad said that he’s too locked in for him to lose in the semifinals.
“Like Kairat, he’s great in wrestling and jiu jitsu and he’s strong physically. But I feel like I’m a better striker and my overall game has been improving,” said Kingad.
“Regardless of who I face, I am always determined to show that I am determined to become a World Champion.”