I’m Very Hyped: Jhanlo Mark Sangiao Talks about Next Generation of Team Lakay

After almost a year on the sidelines, “The Machine” Jhanlo Mark Sangiao reasserted himself in emphatic fashion when he returned at ONE 164: Pacio vs. Brooks.

The 20-year-old made good in his first bout in almost 12 months against fellow Filipino Anacleto Lauron on Saturday, 3 December, submitting the latter in the first round – a performance that felt all the more sweet in front of his compatriots at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.

“I’m very hyped up,” Sangiao said. “The feeling is different, especially since I was competing in front of the Filipino crowd. I can’t find the right words, but I’m hyped.”

Sangiao’s return also bolstered his self-belief and warranted a US$50,000 performance bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong. 

ALSO READ | I worked for it since I was a kid: Jhanlo Mark Sangiao recalls his ONE debut

Now owning a 5-0 record and two successive stoppages in just as many fights under the promotional banner, Sangiao is already looking forward to the calendar year ahead. 

“I’m very happy,” the bantamweight said. “Because it’s the boss himself who said that I’m [going to be a World Champion] soon, and I’m the future. It truly is exciting. I’m motivated that it came from Sir Chatri. I can push myself and train to be better.”  

While fortunes for “The Machine” and teammate Jeremy Pacatiw were positive on that day, the same could not be said for the camp’s veterans. 

Former ONE titleholders Geje Eustaquio and Eduard Folayang were on the receiving end of defeats, while Joshua Pacio parted ways with the ONE Strawweight World Championship after a unanimous decision loss to Jarred Brooks. 

Despite the skid in recent form, Sangiao believes the next generation of battlers will return Team Lakay to its former greatness on the mainstage.

“Unfortunately, only the two of us won, but we also learned from this,” the undefeated talent said. “We don’t always win. We can’t always be victorious, but we’ll take that as a lesson, try to improve, improve, and improve until we get back to the top,” he said.  

ALSO READ | Team Lakay has a special weapon: Jhanlo confident that team will bounce back

“I know we don’t have the belts anymore, but it’s not the end. We are here. We are rising. We will do our best to get the belts back. Team Lakay has a special weapon that can take not just four, but a lot of belts.”

LEAVE A COMMENT

Please login to leave a comment

0 Comments