WHILE his opponent has yet to be announced, Filipino One Championship world lightweight champion Eduard Folayang is looking forward to his first title defense in Manila on April 21.
Folayang is slowly getting back in shape after resuming his work - out just after the holidays to keep him in condition before setting up his training camp with Team Lakay starting next week.
ONE founder and chairman Chatri Sityodtong announced last month Folayang will defend his crown at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
“Eduard Folayang is going to defend his world title in his home country for the first time. I want the entire country, if you’re a Filipino or have a Pinoy heart, you’ve got to watch this fight,” Sityodtong said.
The 33–year–old lightweight is reported to have his first defense against Ev Ting who escaped Kamal Shalorous on February 10 at the packed Stadium Negara in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
After the bout, Ting took the chance to thank the fans inside the Stadium Negara and called for a title shot against Folayang.
“Eduard Folayang, I am coming to your home to take your belt. See you on April 21st,” he said in his post-fight interview.
But whoever his opponent will be, Folayang said he is open to fighting anybody wanting to get the title.
“Ev Ting will be a good match-up for me if he will be my opponent in my first title defense next April,” added Folayang.
Ting is hoping to continue his dominance against Filipino fighter having defeated fellow Team Lakay’s Honorio Banario, Edward Kelly and brother Eric.
“We saw some of his strengths in his previous fights so as early as now, we will try to anticipate the areas where we can possibly dominate him,” said Folayang.
Folayang however admits he needs to divide his time from as he expects his wife Genevieve to give birth either last week of marhc or first week of April. (Roderick Osis)