Islay Erika Bomogao. Photo from ONE Championship.MANILA — To say Islay Erika Bomogao's last two months or so have been crazy would be an understatement.
On the heels of her amazing first-round KO win over Narea Rubio in their 103-pound Muay Thai bout at ONE Friday Fights 111 on June 6, Bomogao can only smile as she recalled how busy she was leading up to the fight.
The stretch actually started in Bangkok, Thailand, in late March as she was originally scheduled to face Rubio at ONE Friday Fights 102. But an earthquake hit the country and postponed the bout.
Soon, she found herself working for a month in Phuket to train at Tiger Muay Thai as part of the Muay Thai Association of the Philippines' (MAP) preparation for the IFMA World Championship in Turkey in May.
Bomogao took home gold by ruling the women's wai kru before ending the stretch by taking the first knockout win of her career over Rubio.
"It's been an intense whirlwind. It's all about staying disciplined and [having] a strong support system," Bomogao said as she's been vocal about her gratitude toward her Team Bagsik, the MAP, and of course her family.
"Then meticulous planning is important when it comes to training, program, nutrition, rest, and recovery time."
She's giving herself some time to catch a break and enjoy the fruits of her labor. But make no mistake about it – she's already on the lookout for what's next.
"Right now, it's all about recovery and celebration. Then it's back to the drawing board with my team to analyze the fight and map out what is next," she said.
"I'm excited to see what challenges ONE Championship has in store for me."