Eduard Folayang vs Shinya Aoki. ONE CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Eduard Folayang and Shinya Aoki have split their first two encounters so far.
But for the Team Lakay icon, their upcoming third fight isn’t just about settling the score.
The two meet again on Thursday in ONE on TNT IV in what could very well be the final chapter in their storied rivalry.
“Of course, I will base the next step of my career on the result of this fight,” Folayang said Tuesday during a media availability.
Having dropped four of his last five fights, Folayang is in a make-or-break situation against Aoki if he is to climb the rankings and continue his pursuit of becoming a three-time lightweight champion.
Folayang isn’t getting any younger at 37 and he’s also suffered a pair of devastating knockouts.
But time and again, the Filipino warrior has shown his ability to bounce back.
“I really like being an underdog because it gives me a lot of motivation to bring my best,” he said.
“This is one of the most important fights in my career. This is one of the legends in the sport.”