Fatherhood motivated Danny Kingad than ever for upcoming fight

Danny Kingad of Baguio City's Team Lakay to face Japan's Yuya Wakamutsa in Jakarta, Indonesia on Sept. 22, 2018. FILE PHOTO

JAKARTA, Indonesia - Filipino mixed martial arts star Danny Kingad of Baguio City's Team Lakay is more motivated than ever against the hard-hitting Yuya Wakamatsu of Japan on the undercard of 'ONE: Conquest of Heroes' on September 22 at Jakarta Convention Center in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Kingad, 23, feels more mature, well-rounded and experienced following his failed title bid and sole career defeat last year. And having been blessed with his first baby last month, fatherhood further motivated the young prizefighter in his upcoming fight.

"I have learned a lot over the past year since my experience challenging for the ONE flyweight title. I can say that I have improved a lot since then. I am definitely more serious now when it comes to my training, specially that I am now a father," said Kingad.

"I think that has been the most evident in my last bout against Ma Hao Bin. I showed that I can take on a very tough opponent and get the victory. In my next fight, I know it’s going to be even tougher but I am well-prepared."

His opponent, Wakamatsu, holds an impressive record of 10-2 and had won 9 of his fights by stoppage. A stand up fighter who carries bombs in both his hands and feet, Kingad believes that his Japanese foe would be a good test to see how far his game have come.

"I have seen a few of [Yuya Wakamatsu’s] highlights, and I know that he is a very dangerous opponent. He likes to strike and I think he will try to strike with me. But I am ready to take this fight wherever it will go, whether that’s on the ground or it stays on the feet, I have no problem," told Kingad.

"I’m a well-rounded martial artist and so is he. Fans will be happy with our fight. I think Wakamatsu’s strength is the striking however, so let’s see. I am ready for a stand up war. I believe it will also be a good test for me." — BAP, GMA News