Vincent Latoel (Photo : ONE Championship)
ONE Championship veteran and Dutch mixed martial arts star Vincent "Magnivincent" Latoel (16-16-2) will return to the ONE Cage this Saturday, 20 February at Jakarta's Istora Senayan to headline ONE: TRIBE OF WARRIORS.
After a stunning technical knockout victory over Arnaud LePont last year, Latoel is now looking to replicate his recent success by taking on the hard-hitting Korean-Japanese featherweight Kotetsu "No Face" Boku (23-10-2).
Latoel is a well-rounded fighter with great overall cage skills, featuring impeccable striking and a tenacious ground game. His skills however, are just part of the equation to beating the tough Boku, who always comes to fight.
Boku is a veteran of the fight game and has amassed a stellar record over his time as a professional cage fighter.
"[Boku] is the latest test in my career, and he'll also be the toughest," said Latoel, who acknowledges the step up in competition. "He is a great athlete, I respect him as a person. Every fight is tough. I never underestimate my opponents. I am looking forward to this fight."
Latoel's greatest victories include wins over LePont and Evolve-MMA's Eddie "The Magician" Ng, both solid contenders, but Boku has more experience and is riding the momentum of a two-fight win streak.
Boku has faced the biggest names in and around his weight division, including current ONE Lightweight World Champion Shinya Aoki.
He's coming off a scintillating second round technical knockout victory over the highly-regarded Major Overall of the United States, using his boxing to thwart the American who had himself been on a notable run.
As such, Boku will no doubt be tough to beat.
"I respect Boku and what he brings to the table, but as a martial artist I seek the biggest and best challenges. With Boku, I feel I am in the right direction," said Latoel. "I move like water, and I will see what's going on with Boku's boxing and power."
Despite Boku standing in his way at the moment, Latoel knows the importance of a victory. A win could inch him closer to that ever elusive title shot.
"My end-goal is to get the belt, I will get it around my waist," said Boku, determined and focused.
"Step by step I will climb the ladder to face the toughest alpha dog in my division. It's just a matter of time."
Along with fellow teammates, Marcin Prachnio and Anthony Engelen, Latoel is deep in camp in Bali, honing his craft at Aora Dojo and Synergy BJJ. Latoel, who has frequented the country even during times when he isn't training for a big fight, says his heart is home in Indonesia.
"It's always great to be in Indonesia. This is my third time I will be fighting in Jakarta. I feel honored to fight here so my Indonesian fans see me live at the venue. It always gives me a lot of energy when the fans cheer for me," said Latoel.
Vincent Latoel and Kotetsu Boku battle it out over three rounds in the Indonesia Warrior Bout co-main event at ONE: TRIBE OF WARRIORS. The fight will be contested at a catchweight of 71.5 kg and will be broadcast on RCTI.
