‘I’m ready’: Folayang going all out in bid for ONE title
Eduard Folayang of Team Lakay shows his fighting stance as he gears up for a title match against defending champion Shinya Aoki on November 11 for the One Championship lightweight title at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. INQUIRER PHOTO BY EV ESPIRITU/@eespirituINQ
LA TRINIDAD – Eduard Folayang’s time has come and he is taking full advantage of it.
Two weeks away from his biggest bout in ONE Championship, the 32-year-old’s confidence is at an all-time high as he prepares for war against Shinya Aoki.
“Handa na ako,” he said after training with the rest of Team Lakay in the squad’s gym here on Tuesday. “Excited na talaga ako kasi for how many years na hinintay ko ito, ngayon magkakaroon na ako ng chance para sa title.”
Folayang (16-5) will be challenging the experienced Aoki (39-6-0, 1 NC) for the ONE Lightweight title at ONE Championship: Defending Honor on November 11 at Singapore Indoor Stadium.
Even Team Lakay founder and coach Mark Sangiao thinks that his ward is ready and primed for the spotlight.
“Time na rin para ibigay nila kay Eduard yung title shot. Magandang timing ito para sa kanya,” he said.
Known as a striker, Folayang has been putting on the work to improve on his ground defense to counter Aoki’s strength.
“Yung mga tumalo sa kanya, iniwasan ang ground nya. Kung alam natin na yun ang specialty nila, kailangan nating dalhin sila sa area na mas lamang tayo.”
The opportunity also gives Team Lakay a chance to welcome home another champion, something the group has not seen since Honorio Banario’s reign as the ONE Featherweight Champion back in 2013.
“Bilang manlalaro, gusto natin maging champion,” said Folayang. “Minsan kailangang dumaan tayo sa butas ng karayom para makuha yung mga ganoong bagay, pero sa akin, naniniwala ako na may time at season para sa lahat. Hindi ko na palalagpasin yung chance para makuha yung belt.”
