Eric Kelly. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Eric Kelly is a former featherweight contender in ONE Championship, considered one of the best in his division.
And though, Kelly is not the same fighter he once was, his brother and fellow MMA fighter Edward believes all hope is not lost for “The Natural.”
The elder Kelly returns to the cage on June 15 in ONE: Legendary Quest in Shanghai, China against local bet Niu Kang Kang in a fight that the Filipino veteran cannot afford to lose.
For Edward, it will all depend on Eric’s mental preparations heading into the bout.
“I told him to go through mental training, and he agreed. I know that has been dragging him down because, physically, he looks great. His mental toughness and fighting spirit are what’s lacking,” Edward said.
“I know he lives in the gym. He doesn’t do anything but train. I don’t think we can say that he lacks training, but he lacks the killer instinct already. Maybe he got carried away with his other problems.”
Eric, 37, hasn’t won in four years and is on a six-fight losing skid—all defeats coming by stoppage.
Edward admitted that Eric is “not as quick as he used to be” but added that just some adjustments could do the trick.
“I think he’s in good shape, but some things have to change. I observed in his previous fights that his reactions are lacking and he’s not as quick as he used to be,” Edward said. “I think he knows the adjustments that he has to make. I know he wants to win again and get the adoration of the people once more.”
“I think he can get his old form back. I am confident in him, and I hope to see him back on the winning track.”