Stephen “The Sniper” Loman believes he’s got next.
The third-ranked bantamweight will keep a close eye on the highly-anticipated rematch between former divisional king John “Hands of Stone” Lineker and top-ranked Fabricio “Wonder Boy” Andrade at ONE Fight Night 7 for the vacant ONE Bantamweight World Title on Feb. 25 at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.
Loman, who scored impressive wins over tough opposition in 2022 like Shoko Sato and former champ Bibiano Fernandes, is confident that he can hang with whoever wins the Lineker – Andrade rematch.
“I feel like I’m totally ready for a championship fight. Whoever ends up winning the belt, I’m excited to face them,” he said.
“I want to beat whoever comes out of that scrap between Lineker and Andrade. I just have to focus [and] step up my training so I can hang with whoever ends up winning. I’ll really prepare for it.”
Loman and Team Lakay aren’t alone in thinking that “The Sniper” is next in line for a ONE Bantamweight World Title shot. Fans and experts alike see the Filipino as the next viable contender.
That includes ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong, who said Loman’s “ready for the title shot.”
“Hearing things like that really motivate me because, little-by-little, I’m inching toward my goal. Now I know that I have a chance this year,” he said.
“There are talks about me being next in line to face the winner between Lineker and Andrade this February, so that’s a big motivation for me. “
For Loman, it’s all about preparing himself and making sure that he’s ready should that time come.
“I want to make myself better. Push myself harder,” he said. “I want to give myself a chance to take that World Title back home. I have to do my best and focus on what’s ahead.”
