Eric Kelly moves up to lightweight for Boku fight

Photo from ONE CHAMPIONSHIP

Filipino mixed martial artist Eric Kelly is set to move up one weight class as he faces Japanese fighter Kotetsu Boku in the ONE Championship: Kings & Conquerors in Macau on August 5.

Kelly has been a featherweight throughout his professional career where he won 12 and lost three, but against Boku “The Natural” will fight in the lightweight division.

“It’s a new beginning for me, and it’s somehow a permanent move since this is my walking weight,” said the 35-year-old Baguio native. “We have to abide by the weigh-in rules of the company. I am comfortable with the weight.”

“I am excited to be in this journey. I hope everything will turn out great for me as a lightweight.”

Kelly, however, has suffered back-to-back losses inside the ONE cage and he sees this upcoming match against former lightweight champion Boku (25-11) as his road to redemption in the Asian promotion.

His last fight ended badly after Narantungalag Jadambaa knocked him out in the first round back in July of 2016.

“It’s been a year since the last time that I fought, I am looking forward to put on a great performance for my beloved country,” said Kelly. “I have been training hard and going through strategies. I hope to give my 110 percent inside the ONE Championship cage in Macau.”

“I am coming to win.”