By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The pride of Santa Barbara, Iloilo added another gold medal to his prestigious collection after reigning supreme in the Kun Bokator event of the ongoing 2023 Southeast Asian Games last May 8, 2023, held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Former Muay Thai world champion Robin Catalan pulled off a huge gold medal campaign after outdueling Ade Permana of Indonesia in the grand finals match of the -50kg category of the Kun Bokator event.
It was a tough road to the finals for the Mixed Martial Artist (MMA) after escaping hometown bet Sovan Nang in the semifinals.
Catalan figured in a close brawl with the Cambodian and barged his way into the championship stage after a 58-52, 18-13, 22-38 decision victory.
Despite the fatigue he received during the semifinal round, Catalan was able to find a way to deliver the Philippines’ second gold medal in Kun Bokator.
Catalan’s win became the country’s 17th overall gold medal last May 8 update and will have the chance to haul more as the other sports only began today.
The Muay Thai practitioner is coming off his stint in Asia’s biggest MMA promotion, ONE Fighting Championship, and is yet to announce whether he will continue his professional career journey.
The savvy Ilonggo fighter split his last four matches: two losses against Ryuto Sawada and Pongsiri Mitsatit and two wins against Gustavo Balart and Stefer Rahardian.
Catalan will still be representing the Catalan Fighting System fight club association and is anticipated to get back in the title fight conversation after a huge SEA Games stint.