With solid kicks and powerful attacks, an Ilonggo fighter wrapped up his 2023 Southeast Asian Games campaign with a gold medal finish in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Robin Catalan of Santa Barbara, Iloilo made not just the Ilonggo community, but the whole country proud after capturing the gold medal in the -50kg category of the Kun Bokator event.
The former Muay Thai world champion outplayed Ade Permana of Indonesia in the grand finals match. Prior to his gold medal clash, the Ilonggo pride had a tough match in the semis when he survived Sovan Nang of the host country.
It was a scintillating match between two players but the never-say-die spirit of Catalan helped him barged his way to the finals following a 58-52, 18-13, 22-38 decision victory.
Despite the fatigue he received during the semifinal round, Catalan was able to find a way to deliver the Philippines’ second gold medal in Kun Bokator. He became the country’s 17th overall gold medalists.
After his triumph, Catalan who is coming off from his stint in Asia’s biggest MMA promotion, ONE Fighting Championship is set to announce whether or not, he will continue his professional career journey.
His recent four games were split – two losses against Ryuto Sawada and Pongsiri Mitsatit and two wins against Gustavo Balart and Stefer Rahardian. According to him, he will still represent the Catalan Fighting System fight club association and is anticipated to get back in the title fight.IMT Sports
