SINGAPORE — Martin Nguyen had arguably the biggest win of his career when he knocked out Eduard Folayang to unify the ONE featherweight and lightweight belts in 2017.
It was one of the biggest stories of the year when Nguyen stunned Folayang and the Philippine crowd, to win the title but it wasn’t pure joy for the Aussie who had the utmost respect for his Filipino opponent.
“Eduard, I love Eduard, he knows that too. I didn’t boast about the win and I want the best from him coming off the loss and I’m sure he’s in the right state of mind,” said Nguyen after the press conference for the ONE: Unstoppable Dreams card Monday at Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre.
“Eduard will come back,” Nguyen added.
Martin Nguyen. Photo by Bong Lozada/INQUIRER.net
Folayang (18-6) is set to fight Kharun Atlangeriev (11-0) on May 18 in his first bout after his loss to Nguyen almost six months ago.
Nguyen, who cut short his celebration when he saw an out cold Folayang on the mat at Mall of Asia Arena after their fight, said he wants the best out of his former opponent.
This was after Nguyen and Folayang trained together in Bali in the duration of the latter’s short hiatus.
“Eduard’s a good family guy, I see Eduard as a fellow brother and I’ll do what I can to support him,” said Nguyen who’ll stake his featherweight belt against Christian Lee on Friday. “I hope Eduard does win and he deserves nothing but the best.”
Nguyen, also, doesn’t mind fighting Folayang again if the Filipino pulls off an impressive victory over Atlangeriev to get another title shot.
“At the end of the day business is business and friendship is friendship,” said Nguyen (10-2).