Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
ONE Lightweight Champion Eduard Folayang didn’t deny how big of a lift Manny Pacquiao’s presence was when he hit the cage on Friday at ONE: Kings of Destiny.
Raring to defend crown against challenger Ev Ting in front of a capacity hometown crowd and inspired to deliver for his one-month-old daughter Yeshuareigns, the 32-year-old admitted that it was also an honor to showcase his wares in front of the eight division world boxing champion.
READ: Folayang successfully defends ONE Lightweight title
“I’m so happy that he came. He really was a huge inspiration for me. I thought I’ll just see him on TV and now he’s here,” he said in Filipino.
Folayang got a short pep talk with Pacquiao less than an hour before his fight and the senator’s words truly helped in further boosting his confidence.
Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
“He told me, ‘You are one of the legends of MMA in the Philippines. I wish you good luck. We’re here to
support you.’ I was encouraged by his words,” he said. “It’s really a big deal when the athletes we look up to come to encourage us. Filipinos are fortunate that we have athletes who support their fellow athletes even though they’re in different sports.”
Folayang didn’t disappoint in his first title defense, overwhelming his Kiwi-Malaysian contender en route to a unanimous decision victory to the delight of the crowd.
READ: Ting prepares for ‘best version’ of Folayang
He also thinks that Pacquiao’s presence in Team Lakay’s corner may have helped a bit in getting to his challenger’s head.
But after all was said and done, the reigning champion hopes that Ting still got his moment with the famed boxer.
“I know that played in his mind, that Manny was on my side,” said Folayang. “But I hope he got his chance to take a picture with him.”
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