Danny Kingad on DJ’s speed: ‘You have to experience it yourself’

Team Lakay’s Danny “The King” Kingad looked back on his match in the finals of the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix Championship at the celebrated ONE: Century Part I in October 2019, and had nothing but good things to take away.

The 24-year-old entered the match on a six bout win streak, and was pitted against the legendary Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson.

Kingad made a good account for himself against the 12-time flyweight World Champion, but at the end of the day, the veteran American was just too good.

“I have faced a lot in the flyweight division, but my match against DJ, that’s what I would consider the toughest fight I’ve been in,” Kingad said.

“I knew coming in he was fast. I was a fan of his and I really prepared for that aspect, but when you’re in there with him, his speed is different,” he continued.

“You really have to be there to experience it yourself.”

Johnson’s speed gave Kingad problems all night long, as “Mighty Mouse” stayed light on his feet and slick with his transitions.

It’s quite impressive considering many look at “The King” as one of the most athletic and quickest in the weight class, yet Johnson was still one step ahead from the opening to closing bell.

But it wasn’t that he came in underprepared — on that night, Johnson was simply a cut above.

“I was trying to catch him with something, or match his intensity inside the Circle, but he was just simply too quick. I trained really hard for that match knowing what was at stake for me if I win the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix,” he said.

“But man, was he tough. He was really quick, and I believe that was the biggest difference in our match.”

Not many 24-year-olds get a chance to stand toe-to-toe with greatness, after all. And with that kind of experience, the Baguio City native believes the bout made him a better athlete.

“That match taught me a lot, which I am thankful for. I am more challenged to push myself during training. I keep on telling myself that if DJ can do it, so can I. I just have to be more dedicated in training,” Kingad said.

“Now it’s on to the next one. I have to learn from my previous matches, and if I continue to win, I know we’ll face each other again. When the time comes, I’ll do everything to make sure it’s my turn to win.”