Kevin Belingon. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Kevin Belingon had reached the pinnacle of his career when he became the ONE World bantamweight champion in 2018, and two years on, he has achieved what can be described as one of the greatest joys one man could ever get.
Belingon and wife Lee welcomed their baby Kelsey on August 18 at Notre Dame De Chartres Hospital in Baguio.
The usual setup where the father can be beside his wife during labor was scrapped due to COVID-19 restrictions forcing Belingon to wait outside the delivery room but that little wait could hardly contain the former champion’s excitement of holding his daughter.
“Of course, I was very excited because we have been waiting for this for quite some time. It is the best feeling I’ve ever experienced,” said Belingon. “I was very excited to see our baby for the first time. The original plan was that I’m supposed to be with my wife during the delivery. But due to COVID-19, there were new restrictions, so I had to wait outside the delivery room. I just couldn’t wait to see our baby at that moment.”
Considered as one of the pillars of the famed Team Lakay stable, Belingon has always maintained a familial environment within his gym, but having a child of his own gave him an added source of motivation.
After two straight losses to Bibiano Fernandes, considered as the greatest bantamweight in the promotion, Belingon is trying to forge a comeback path and even make a case for the title once more.
“I feel more motivated in everything in life right now, especially in providing a good future for our child,” said Belingon. “Family has always been my first priority. Having a child in that picture makes me level up my game as the head of the family.”
And if parenting tips is concerned, Belingon can always turn to his Team Lakay brothers for some lessons with coach Mark Sangiao, Eduard Folayang, Danny Kingad, and Geje Eustaquio already rocking that dad life. [ac]