I recommended Belingon to wait, I believe he is a future world champion, says ONE Championship CEO

Kevin Belingon (L) and Andrew Leone (R) face-off photo by ONE CHAMPIONSHIP

ONE Championship chairman Chatri Sityodtong revealed on Tuesday that he actually advised Kevin Belingon of Baguio City's Team Lakay to wait for his imminent shot at Bibiano Fernandes' ONE bantamweight title.

Belingon fell short when he challenged Fernandes a couple of years ago, but has since impressively won his last four fights against top tier competition that catapulted him to contender status once again. The Filipino striker, however, took the risk of fighting again as he awaits his much anticipated rematch against the reigning champion.

"I talked to Kevin a couple of months ago and I recommended that he wait, but he wanted to fight so Matt Hume (ONE Championship matchmaker) gave him a fight," said Sityodtong.

"For sure Kevin Belingon is getting the next title shot after Bibiano is rested and well. I think Leandro Issa and Kevin Belingon are the number one contenders right now for Bibiano Fernades' [ONE bantamweight] title."

Belingon nevertheless had his wish granted as he in now slated to headline 'ONE: Heroes of Honor' against Andrew Leone on April 20 at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. For Sityodtong, it's only a matter of time before Belingon gets to wear the gold-plated strap around his waist.

"Sometimes these things happen- Bibiano is injured right now I just talked to him last week he hasn't been able to train at all so I don't (know) when he's going to be back in action," Sityodtong quipped.

"So for a fighter, do you wait, and then maybe the fight doesn't happen until much later or do you keep active? I do believe that Kevin Belingon is a future world champion in the division." — BAP, GMA News