2017 Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Filipino world champion Eduard Folayang will face Malaysia Ev Ting in his ONE Lightweight title defense before his fellowmen on April 21 at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Folayang-Ting match will headline the ONE: Kings of Destiny fight card, the first of the two events the Asian Mixed Martial Arts promotion will hold in the country.
Folayang, who gained the World Title with a sensational third-round knockout of Japanese legend Shinya Aoki November last year in Singapore, will be fighting in the Philippines for the first time since December 2014.
READ: Folayang to defend ONE lightweight title in massive event
“In April, I will have the opportunity to show the world why I hold my coveted title,” Folayang said in a statement.
“I know how exceptional Ev Ting’s talent is. I am in a tough preparation for this bout…I don’t want to let my countrymen down. I will make sure that the belt stays in the Philippines.”
READ: Manila to host two ONE Championship events next year
Ting, who is based in Auckland, New Zealand, holds a 13-3 card. He secured a fight with Folayang after a split decision win over former title challenger Kamal Shalorus last February.
“Eduard Folayang is a great champion and is admired by many Filipinos, but he has what I want. I’m coming to Manila to get it from him and bring the belt home to Malaysia,” Ting said.