Jackie Buntan raring to represent Philippine flag in ONE's US debut

Former ONE Muay Thai world title challenger Jackie Buntan is raring to strut her wares on the global stage against Diandra Martin when ONE Championship makes its US debut on May 5 at 1stBank Center in Denver, Colorado.

The 25-year-old Filipino-American will be the lone Philippine representative in ONE Championship’s first event on US soil. Buntan stressed the importance of representing Filipinos worldwide, citing how Manny Pacquiao inspired millions through boxing.

“I think it’s extremely important. Not just for me, or being in Muay Thai or being an athlete, that goes for whatever a Filipino-American is doing. Whether you’re an athlete or a non-athlete, we all have it in our hearts that we’re all very passionate. Filipinos are very passionate,” Buntan said.

“They show their hearts on their sleeves, they have heart and they have grit. When you mix the two with combat sport, that’s where you’ll find greatness. Like Pacquiao, [he’s] the no.1 example, he has all of that, passion, grit, determination, resilience, I think it’s embedded in all of us.”

And as far as her upcoming bout is concerned, Buntan made no prediction but promised fireworks.

“My fast hands will definitely be there, but I think they can just expect me to be an exciting fighter, I believe I am, so they can expect more excitement for this bout because I have new tools in my arsenal, a new style,” Buntan stated.

—JM Siasat/JMB, GMA Integrated News