Gina Iniong not in a rush to challenge for a world title

MANILA - Hard-hitting female striker Gina Iniong of Baguio City's Team Lakay, who will fight Istela Nunes on the undercard of "ONE: Battle for the Heavens" on July 7 in Guangzhou, said she was taking  her quest to be a world champion one step at a time.

Iniong, having just recently earned a dominant victory over former title challenger Jenny Huang, believed she was a world champion in the making, though there was no need to rush her way to the top.

"I don’t want to rush things. I have to keep training to keep my edge. I know I can be a world champion. I know that in my heart, so I have to work very hard to achieve that dream. If I can keep getting better and keep winning, I know I will reach the top sooner or later. I am willing to do it step-by-step," explained Iniong.

"There is a lot of pressure on me to perform because I am considered one of the top competitors in the division. Although I consider myself still in the development process, a lot is expected of me, and with each bout, I have to give it my absolute best."

A couple of fights ago, Iniong fell short in a rematch against Japanese veteran Mei Yamaguchi. A win would have earned her a shot at Angela Lee's ONE women's atomweight title.

But the Filipina was not looking back, nor was she looking past her upcoming foe.

"There’s always a right moment. Every bout is a lesson. We gain valuable knowledge every time we train and step into the battle. I rather take a step-by-step approach. I am not looking past Istela Nunes right now. I know what’s at stake here," told Iniong.

"It would be an honor for me to compete for the world title in the near future. If I can beat a former world title challenger again, then I can move up in my career. In God's time, I will be a champion." — DVM, GMA News