Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang celebrated his birthday in an intimate setting with his loved ones on 23 March in Baguio City.
The celebrated strawweight from Team Lakay turned 27 last week, and the celebrations were expectedly toned down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the unusual circumstances, Adiwang sees a silver lining during the crisis.
“We had a small celebration. I just prepared for my family. Right now I am just cherishing the moments we have together with my siblings, my mother, and my dad,” Adiwang said.
“While we’re waiting for this to be contained, let’s cherish the moments we have now, the ones we cannot do during normal days like spending time with our families.”
For his birthday, “Thunder Kid” not only asked to be better as an individual, he also had one request from his fans.
“I wished to be a better person first. Then I wished that I become stable both in my career and my life. I hope to continue what I am doing now and leave a mark in this profession,” Adiwang said.
“For the fans, just keep on supporting us, whether during our great times or down moments. That’s where we need you the most.”
Adiwang’s 27th birthday celebration came down to one final wish, a chance to face a former World Champion in the talent-rich strawweight division.
“My biggest wish in my career now is to face the top contenders so I can prove myself. Number one on my list is Yoshitaka Naito,” Adiwang said.
“I think that’s the only thing missing right now for me. I have faced strikers and wrestlers and now I want to face a legitimate grappler.
“Seeing the criticisms about us and our ground game, I really want to try and face a legitimate grappler so I can test myself.”
Catch all the ONE Championship action live and for free by downloading the ONE Super App.