Catalan returns to action versus Masunyane in ONE

MANILA, Philippines — Ageless Filipino champion Rene Catalan faces a tough challenge as he returns to action versus a young, undefeated foe in Bokang Masunyane of South Africa in tonight’s ONE: Big Bang at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

The 41-year-old Catalan, a former Asian Games wushu gold medalist, is coming back a year after losing to countryman Joshua Pacio in a strawweight title fight.

He will have his hands full though as he battles the dangerous 26-year-old Masunyane, who is unbeaten in seven outings and eager keep going against Catalan.

“I’m excited to be back in action and doing what I love to do,” said Catalan, who is ranked as a No. 3 challenger in the division.

The Catalan-Masunyane duel was included in the card just a few days ago in place of the supposed showdown between Danny Kingad and Kairat Akhmetov.

The Kingad fight was scrapped after one of Kingad’s Team Lakay corner men tested positive for COVID-19.

Another Philippine bet Jomary Torres clashes with Ritu Phogat of India.

Torres has been desperately searching for a win after her last five fights ended in four losses and a no-contest. She won her first four bouts including three in ONE.

Phogat, for her part, is unbeaten in three fights.