IT'S a match that is seven months in the making, but rather that mope on what could have been, Stephen Loman is just upbeat that finally, he's making his promotional debut at ONE: Winter Warriors II on Dec. 17 in Singapore.
"Frustrated ako kasi hindi natuloy yung laban ko, pero next month, may laban na so excited na ako sa susunod na laban. I'm very happy and excited," he said.
Loman understands the massive opportunities that he missed out on after testing positive for COVID-19 back in March that led to him pulling out of his match against no. 1-ranked bantamweight John Lineker at ONE on TNT 3 last April.
With him withdrawing, Lineker went on and knocked out his replacement Troy Worthen to earn himself a shot at the reigning ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano Fernandes.
Loman, the former Brave CF Bantamweight Champion, knew that a win over a contender like Lineker would not only vault his stock to the stratosphere but also put himself in a prime position to challenge for the belt.
Now, though, he's only focusing on his next task as he formally begins his career in The Home of Martial Arts.
"Ine-expect ko naman talaga na contenders ang makakalaban ko. I was a champion sa ibang promotion, so this is a chance for me to showcase my skills by doing my best," he said.
Stephen Loman eyes title
Still, the goal never changes for Loman who seeks to soon follow the footsteps of his Team Lakay seniors and also become a world champion.
"Isa yung goal ko dito, to be a champion. Another is to face the top contenders because kailangan kong ipakita kung ano yung kaya ko at gagawin ko lang yung best ko sa laban," he said.
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