Kevin Belingon. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Kevin Belingon may be going into neutral territory when he faces Bibiano Fernandes in their title unification bout for the ONE World bantamweight championship, but he still expects a booming response befitting of a hometown crowd.
Belingon, the interim bantamweight champion, will have his rematch against the Brazilian Fernandes, the ONE World bantamweight champion, at Singapore Indoor Stadium for the ONE: Heart of the Lion card.
It was in that same venue where Belingon saw former ONE World lightweight champion, and Team Lakay teammate, Eduard Folayang hoist the belt as a chorus of cheers rained down from the rafters.
READ: Belingon gets ONE title rematch vs Fernandes in Singapore
“I was there when Eduard Folayang pulled off the unexpected against Shinya Aoki to capture the ONE World lightweight title in 2016,” said Belingon (19-5). “Filipino fans were cheering for Eduard from start to finish and the stadium erupted from the chants of countless Filipinos when he was officially crowned as the new ONE World lightweight champion.”
Thousands of Filipinos live in Singapore to work and some of those have already formed families in the city-state, and these are the ones Belingon expects to give him support that could be similar to what he can receive if he fights in the Philippines.
“I expect the same support, and hopefully an even bigger turnout from Filipino fans when I challenge Bibiano,” said Belingon, who is riding a six-fight winning streak.
READ: Written off at first, Folayang pens own story with ONE title win
Belingon’s last fight was against Martin Nguyen for the interim strap.
“Our country is known for its passionate and knowledgeable fans who never fail to show massive support for one of their own,” said Belingon.
“I know how big of a following ONE Championship has from Filipino fans. I’m confident that they will flock to the stadium and show support in what would be the biggest and most important bout of my career. A huge Filipino crowd will surely help bring out an inspired performance from me as I attempt to bring the gold-plated belt back to the Philippines.”