Ilonggo fighter Rene Catalan promised to win the Southeast Asian Games sambo event and gave himself a “99.9 percent” chance of taking home the gold medal. Sambo is a combat sport developed by the Soviet military.
“I have to be ready because I’ll be carrying the Philippine flag,” he said. “I told myself there’s no more time to take a break because the games are nearing.”
Catalan also said he is using last month’s loss to Joshua Pacio in the ONE Championship: Masters of Fate event bout as inspiration.
“The loss only made me hungrier, it made me aware of the things that can happen inside the ring,” he explained. “I’m more motivated after my match against Joshua Pacio.”
Additionally, the Santa Barbara native said he is aware of the tough competition that awaits him.
“I know I will face some serious competition in the SEA Games, particularly from Singapore,” he noted. “I’ll be bringing experience with me.”
The sambo events begin today./ASC, WDJ