FILE – Eduard Folayang during ONE: Fire and Fury in Manila. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Eduard Folayang is dedicating his all-important fight against Japanese rival Shinya Aoki to all overseas Filipino workers in the United States.
Folayang clashes with Aoki for the third time on April 29 in ONE on TNT IV at Singapore Indoor Stadium in a packed event that will be aired on US prime time.
“It’s an added motivation for me. I have many friends and fellow kababayans in the United States who are eager to watch me fight. I’m proud to get the chance to compete in front of American fans as well. It’s an important event and fight, for sure,” said Folayang (22-10).
“Many fans and people wanted to see me. It was a great feeling to receive that love and support. When they heard I was there for a visit, they came out and gave me a very warm welcome. A lot of Filipinos dropped by to say hello,” added Folayang, referring to his US trip back in 2016 after he claimed the ONE title for the first time following a stunning second round stoppage of Aoki in their first encounter.
A win over the No. 4-ranked Aoki (46-9) in their trilogy will be huge for Folayang’s campaign to contend for the lightweight crown anew.
Folayang, 37, is also in dire need of a victory as he comes into the bout having lost four of his last five fights. Aoki, on the other hand, is on a three-fight streak.
“It’s always an honor to share the cage with legends. That in itself has added a lot of motivation for me to succeed. This is one of the most important bouts of my career, so I’m really focused on claiming the victory,” the Team Lakay legend said.
“I know the fans will always be behind me no matter what, and for that, I am very grateful. I will do my best to get my hands raised when all is said and done.”