Filipino fan-favorite Eugene Toquero is looking to shift the direction of his career trajectory upwards as he is set to go all out in his return to the ONE Championship cage.
The former National Muay Thai Champion is set to lock horns with Japanese standout Tatsumitsu “The Sweeper” Wada on the undercard of ONE: WARRIOR’S DREAM, which emanates from the Stadium Istora in Jakarta, Indonesia on Saturday, 17 November.
Toquero has lost his previous four bouts against top opposition, but despite his losing spell under the organization’s banner, he remains positive that he will see the light at the end of the tunnel in Jakarta.
Toquero’s string of setbacks started back in March 2016 when he got submitted by former ONE Flyweight World Champion Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes.
Nine months later, he fell in the same trap and was submitted via armbar by Danny “The King” Kingad of Team Lakay in the first round.
Having his hand raised in triumph remained elusive to Toquero in 2017, dropping a unanimous decision loss to Indonesian star Stefer “The Lion” Rahardian in April before suffering a first-round submission loss at the hands of Chinese standout Ma Hao Bin in November.
Although his back is against the wall, the 37-year-old Filipino veteran still has his winning mindset, putting his training into the next level as he expects a tough three-round encounter against Wada.
“Losing is part of the game. It is not every day that you will be at the top. I might have lost my previous matches, but it only motivates me to learn and improve more. I was waiting for this opportunity to come. Can’t wait to showcase everyone what I’ve worked at the gym,” Toquero expressed.
Toquero’s quest of ending the year on a high note will not be a walk in the park as he is facing a tough Japanese competitor in Wada.
A former Deep Flyweight Champion, Wada holds a professional record of 19 wins with nine losses, two draws, and one no contest.
The 30-year-old Tokyo, Japan native has also won his last eight matches before yielding to Reece “Lightning” McLaren by way of razor-thin split decision in his promotional debut at ONE: BATTLE FOR THE HEAVENS this past July.
Toquero is fully aware of the danger that he is in front of him on Saturday, but with a positive attitude, he is motivated to reclaim his status as one of the most exciting flyweights in Asia.
“I know I have what it takes to get a convincing victory against a world-class opponent. l will make sure that my hand is raised as the winner. I’m here to prove and show everyone that I deserve my spot here in ONE Championship. I’ve been training very hard for this match, and I will end 2018 with a bang,” he ended.
