Former Chinese National Boxing Team member Xiong Jing Nan has left no stone unturned as she prepares for her upcoming bout.
‘The Panda’ is set to clash with Nat “Wondergirl” Jaroonsak in a special rules striking contest at ONE Fight Night 14: Stamp vs. Ham this Friday, September 29, inside the Singapore Indoor Stadium. And though she’ll be able to rely on her heavy hands, the strawweight MMA queen will also need to be on her guard in the first-of-its-kind battle.
Xiong Jing Nan working with the WBA World champion to prepare for a fight with Wondergirl
Their match will consist of three three-minute rounds, and the participants will only be allowed to throw hand strikes while wearing four-ounce MMA gloves. If there isn’t a stoppage by the end of the final round, the bout will be decided by a 10-point must system. Despite her experience in boxing, Xiong has decided to work with the best to further refine her skills in the sport heading into her next match.
“I’m pumped for this fight, more than I’ve ever been. Coach Drian has been a game changer for me. We’ve been in the ring sparring, and he’s shown me so many new ways to use my old boxing skills,” she told MixedMartialArts.com in a recent interview. “It feels like I’m rediscovering parts of myself, and each day I can feel myself getting stronger and more precise.” Training at the famed Evolve MMA gym in Singapore, Xiong has the luxury of working with some of the best coaches in the world, including Drian Francisco.
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The Filipino, also known as ‘Gintong Kamao’ or ‘Golden Fist’ is a WBA World Champion who currently heads the gym’s boxing program. He had nothing but praise for China’s first-ever MMA World Champion as he oversees her training for the special rules striking contest. “Jing Nan is an absolute beast in training, a real workhorse,” Francisco said. “Making the transition from MMA to boxing? Her boxing foundation is so strong, she adapted and adjusted like it was second nature.”
There is a boxer in Wondergirl’s camp as well
Another boxing standout in Danial ‘Tyson’ Jalil is also helping hone Xiong’s weapons for her September 29 tilt. The Evolve MMA Assistant Instructor is a four-time national boxing champion and the reigning super featherweight champion of the Asian Boxing Federation. Francisco revealed that they are taking no shortcuts in preparations – from sparring to watching game tape, he is certain that they have a winning formula against ‘Wondergirl.’
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For her part, Xiong is just eager to put in the work in order to put on a great show for the fans and showcase her prowess in a different sport than they are used to. “We’re all grinding every day, always looking for that extra edge in boxing,” Xiong said. “I’m on a non-stop journey to up my game. I can’t wait to show what I’ve got.”
