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.”