MANILA, Philippines – Along with his desire to capture the Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) flyweight belt, Filipino prospect CJ De Tomas has a score to settle with current titleholder Hideo Morikawa.
The 19-year-old native of Zamboanga City aims to avenge his father's excruciating defeat at the hands of Morikawa, who mauled Charles De Tomas on the ground to score a third-round stoppage victory in September 2010.
Almost 6 years later, the younger De Tomas has the opportunity to accomplish what his father could not do as he and Morikawa are scheduled to square off against each other for the URCC flyweight strap at the organization’s "Rebellion" event on April 23.
"If I win, I will be the youngest champion from the Philippines. And it will be my Papa's sweet revenge against this guy whom he lost to. For us to get even, I need to get that belt," De Tomas said during the press conference on Wednesday, February 17.
De Tomas is undefeated in 5 professional outings and was booked in 4 bouts in 2015, defeating the likes of Joven Superales, Jovanie Bualan, Carlo Laurel, and Ricky Lucena.
Morikawa (8-3), meanwhile, has been a URCC mainstay since he started his mixed martial arts career in October 2009.
The 34-year-old Japanese fighter captured the vacant URCC flyweight belt by outpointing Alvin Ramirez in July 2015.
"I know it will be a tough fight. He has the experience. But I am ready to bring it to him," De Tomas said.
"URCC 27: Rebellion" takes place at Marriott Hotel's Grand Ballroom in Pasay City. – Rappler.com