Kelly vows redemption in ONE
AFTER two heart pounding losses in his recent bouts, Eric Kelly is eyeing a huge comeback in his cage return on August 5.
But the Baguio City native will have his hands full as he takes on former lightweight world champion Kotetsu Boku when they clash in the fight card of ONE: Kings and Conquerors set at the Cotai Arena in Macau.
Although Kelly last fought in July last year and suffered a first round knock out against Narantungalag Jadambaa, the 35 year old striker seeks redemption and eyes to improve his 12-3 winloss record.
Kelly is considered one of the best homegrown martial arts athletes in the Philippines.
The wushu practitioner combines solid striking techniques with high-level grappling skills, which has resulted in nine impressive submissions and one knockout, out of 12 total victories.
Kelly’s most impressive showing to date came via a hardfought submission win over Rob Lisita in 2014, a performance which earned him a US$50,000 ONE Warrior Bonus.
Having won 25 bouts with 11 loses and two no contest, Boku has the experience of a seasoned veteran and has seen it all inside the cage.
Always a crowd pleaser, Boku utilizes his dynamic boxing background with world-class grappling to subdue his opponents and earlier trounced Timofey Nastyukin in November last year via a doctors stoppage in the first round.
‘Kings and Conquerors KINGS will once again light up the glamorous Cotai Arena of The Venetian Macao with a showcase of authentic martial arts action top billed by ONE bantamweight world champion Bibiano Fernandes of Brazil taking on top contender Andrew Leone of the United States.
Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship said the promotion is thrilled to announce another amazing
extravaganza at the world-class Cotai Arena in Macao.
“Our last show did extremely well to showcase our unique brand of world-class martial arts action, and we are excited to do it all over again this August. We have an amazing card planned for fans all across the world, including a blockbuster championship showdown between tremendous competitors in Bibiano Fernandes and Andrew Leone. The interesting clash of styles should provide fans a solid matchup,” said Sityodtong. Roderick Osis