Ahead of big fight night, Edward Kelly gets emotional over brother Eric’s plight

Edward during the ONE: Roots of Honor press conference on Tuesday. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Edward Kelly kept a straight face as he answered questions from the media on Tuesday.

Until he was asked about his older brother Eric, who is fighting in the same card as he is in ONE: Roots of Honor Friday night at Mall of Asia Arena, that he suddenly turned emotional.

“Siya kasi, lumayo siya, pumunta siya sa Dubai. Nakikita ko kasi yung family niya, kailangan niya ipakita na as a father na kaya niyang buhayin sila,” said Edward as he failed to hold back his tears.

(He had to go away so he went to Dubai. I see his family and he needed to show that as a father he can take care of his family.)

READ: Eric Kelly vows he’s a changed man after bad habits slowed down MMA career

Edward Kelly turns emotional while answering a question about his older brother Eric during the media scrum. | @MarkGiongcoINQ pic.twitter.com/K1MkcyGxCl

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) April 9, 2019

“Hindi nawawala yung pag-iisip niya sa family niya. Wala siya magawa nun. Alam ko na babawi siya.”

(He always thinks about his family. I know he’ll redeem himself.)

Eric had to leave for Dubai to keep himself away from the bad habits he developed back when he was still in the Philippines.

Eric’s troubled past was a big reason for the downfall of his once-promising MMA career.

READ: ONE: Team Lakay’s Edward Kelly stopped by Christian Lee in 1st round

Despite being thousands of miles apart, the two said they still see to it to keep in touch.

The Kelly brothers hope to make it a double celebration on Friday as they take on their respective South Korean opponents.

Edward faces Sung Jong Lee while Eric clashes with Kwon Won Il both in the featherweight division.