By Jun Ray Navarres
Top two ranked flyweight contender Danny “The King” Kingad answered former ONE Flyweight World Champion Kairat “The Kazakh” Akhmetov’s praises with recognition to the latter’s talent but confident that he will end the fight short at ONE: BIG BANG on December 4 at Singapore Indoor Stadium.
“I think this won’t last two rounds. It will end with a second-round knockout,” Kingad boldly predicted.
Despite his statement, Kingad still recognizes the strength of the three-time National Greco-Roman Champion in Kazakhstan, and a regional taekwondo champion.
The King remained wary of Akhmetov’s striking skills that pairs well with his wrestling prowess.
“I think his biggest strength is that he’s very well-rounded. He has good wrestling skills, but he’s not just a wrestler. He can strike too, and I shouldn’t underestimate him,” said Kingad.
Kingad has long been waiting for a showdown with the current 3rd ranked flyweight contender Akhmetov and now he will have the fight that he longed for.
“I’ve wanted to face him for a long time because I want to test my skills against him, particularly in wrestling. It’s not going to be easy, but it’s going to be a fun fight,” said Kingad.
“I think I’m better than him in the striking department, but we’ll have to wait and see in the fight. He’s improved a lot.”
Kingad must overcome Akhmetov in order to grab a shot at the winner between reigning ONE Flyweight World Champion Adriano Moraes and former UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson.
“I think I’m better than him all-around. I’m very proud of my skills, and I think I have the best team behind me. We have a good strategy coming into this. I want to win for my family, my fans, and for the Filipino people,” Kingad concluded.
“If he had any area of weakness, it would have to be in his striking. That’s what I’m going to try to expose. I don’t know how the fight will go. We’ll know once we’re in there. But I’m definitely going for the finish.”
Follow the writer on Twitter: @burnsports
