ALFONSO LISTA, Ifugao – – Mixed Martial Arts One World Bantamweight Champion Kevin “D’ Silencer” Belingon inspires young athletes from this province to persevere in order to succeed.
To the cheers of the crowd, Belingon who was the guest of honor during the 2018 Ifugao Provincial Athletic Meet here last November 26-30, said that to be successful, though they will experience hardships and failure along the way, they must have the passion, determination, focus, discipline, humility, preparation, perseverance and sportsmanship in their quest for glory.
He wished all the young athletes success, fame and glory in their chosen sports in the coming years.
Belingon, an Ifugao from the municipality of Kiangan, belongs to the Mixed Martial Arts group Team Lakay of the Cordillera Region. He is now considered a hero among the Ifugaos for bringing honor not only to his province but also to the Philippines.
Before becoming a champion, he fought many battles in his field as the ‘Ifugao Warrior’ of Team Lakay. His most significant and memorable fight was with former One Lightweight World Champion Martin Nguyen Van of Thailand but representing Australia, whom he unanimously trounced. His victory sweetly avenged the loss of Team Lakay’s Eduard Folayang and earned him the world title belt.
Belingon also dethroned undisputed One Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano Fernandez in a split decision fight held in Singapore ending Fernandez’ long reign.
Belingon has now two championship belts to his credit. **JDP/DBC- PIA CAR, Ifugao
