As John Lineker (35-9) prepares to challenge for the vacant ONE bantamweight world title at ONE Fight Night 7 on Friday, February 24, one thing has become abundantly clear: He is desperate to avoid a repeat of the events that took place during his last outing.
Last October at ONE Fight Night 3, “Hands of Stone” was scheduled to face fellow Brazilian superstar Fabricio Andrade (8-2) in what was supposed to be the first defense of his ONE bantamweight world title.
But the match – and the week, for that matter – did not go according to plan.
First, Lineker missed weight and was subsequently stripped of his title on the scale. Meanwhile, Andrade made weight and was still eligible to take home the strap in the event of a win.
The belt ultimately remained vacant in controversial circumstances, however.
After two-and-a-half rounds, the bout was declared a no contest due to an unintentional low blow from “Wonder Boy” that rendered Lineker unable to continue. It was an anticlimactic end to what had been an enthralling contest.
Now, the pair are set to run it back later this month, and Lineker is keen to atone for the disappointment of the first encounter.
“I had my cup broken. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get back into the fight,” he said. “But we will have our rematch. Everything fell into place, and now, I have the opportunity to get my belt back.”
In the days following the first encounter, it came to light that the 32-year-old knockout artist had used a foam cup during the bout.
But this time around, Lineker is taking no chances.
The American Top Team representative has learned his lesson and now equipped with a stronger cup, he heads into the world title rematch at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, without fear of another fight-ending low blow.
“I will definitely be scared because it was a very strong knee and the pain was unbearable. But to avoid that, I bought a steel cup,” he said.
“Now, it will be difficult to break the cup again. But there is no doubt (there is that) concern because the pain I felt was very great. But with the steel cup, everything will be fine.”
Fans in the U.S. and Canada can watch ONE Fight Night 7 live and for free with an Amazon Prime membership on Friday, February 24.
