Sweetest of victories was what Rolando Dy achieved Thursday night in Bahrain.
Despite not having a proper training camp and fighting under short notice, the 29-year-old second-generation fighter showed the heart of a champion against Maciek Gierszewski during Brave CF 42.
Due to the on-going coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the 5-foot-8 featherweight was not able to do any sparring before he left the country last September 20.
“This is the first time in my fighting career that I never did hard sparring for the fight preparation,” shared Dy, who was on a nine-month layoff heading into the bout and was coming off two stoppage defeats.
“It’s hard to prepare for fights during a pandemic but it is what it is. Adjust and adapt.”
But Dy was fighting for something bigger than himself.
Dy and wife Stephanie gave birth to daughter Joy Gabrielle last August 14.
And all Dy was thinking of all throughout the 15-minute slobber knocker was his daughter.
Though figuring in dangerous moments against Gierszewski, Dy was unperturbed, showing nerves of steel.
After going through hell, the native of Dasmarinas, Cavite saw his hand raised, earning a deserving split decision win.
As he had his hand raised, Dy, a fighter who oozes machismo, crumbled to the floor. The journey was worth it.
“I dedicate this victory to my daughter, Joy Gabrielle, and to the youngest son of coach Norman Arenas, Vasyl Luke,” expressed Dy.
“May pang gatas na kayong dalawa!”
All throughout his nine-year career, Dy has gone through a roller-coaster, experiencing both the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. This one definitely is the sweetest of them all.
