Veteran Filipino featherweight Edward “The Ferocious” Kelly has enjoyed a long list of unforgettable moments in the ONE Championship Circle.
The 35-year-old has engaged in countless battles as a member of Team Lakay, and he has excited fans with a plethora of impressive victories.
Of all those victories, Kelly holds his latest win over Sung Jong Lee as his most crucial.
In front of his countrymen at the Mall Of Asia Arena in Manila, the Baguio City native proved that he is still a top contender in the weight class. His second-round TKO at ONE: ROOTS OF HONOR on 12 April further validated that.
“I believe that there was a lot at stake in my match against Lee,” Kelly said.
“Coming from a loss, I proved that I am determined to get back in the winning column and keep myself on track for my dreams of being a World Champion.
“There was a lot of pressure because I wanted to prove that I am hungry for that win.”
Despite the pressure creeping in, Kelly rose to the occasion with his ferocious display of striking and ground skills, as he obliterated his South Korean opponent within two rounds.
The Baguio City warrior believes that masterful performance in Manila has given him a shot in the arm when it comes to his confidence, and the victory put him closer towards achieving his lifelong goals.
“That win certainly pushed my confidence to an all-time high,” Kelly continued.
“I want to fulfill my dreams and at the same time, I want to inspire the people here in our place and I want them to see that being a martial artist is also a good option for them.”
Kelly is giving himself two to three more wins before jumping into contendership for the ONE Featherweight World Title, which is currently held by Martin Nguyen.
Should he get a title shot and lift the gold from the Vietnamese-Australian, he would become the sixth athlete from Team Lakay to hold a ONE World Championship.
“I know that this division is stacked. There are new fighters, they’re strong and technical, and they motivate me to be even better,” he explained.
“With hard work and determination, everything is possible. I hope to get two to three more big wins, and maybe that would be enough for me to get a shot at the World Title.”
