Folayang fired up for Khan match-up

BAGUIO. Former lightweight world champion Eduard Folayang and Amir Khan face off for the first time leading to their title match on November 23 at the Mall of Asia Arena for the vacant One Championship lightweight world title. (One Championship photo)
BAGUIO. Former lightweight world champion Eduard Folayang and Amir Khan face off for the first time leading to their title match on November 23 at the Mall of Asia Arena for the vacant One Championship lightweight world title. (One Championship photo)

MORE than seeking redemption, Eduard Folayang is keen on reclaiming the One Championship lightweight world title as a validation of his hard work outside and inside the cage.

Folayang is set to square off against Singapore’s rising star Amir Khan for the lightweight strap vacated by Martin Nguyen on November 23 at the Mall of Asia Arena that will be co-headlined Brandon Vera who will defend his heavy weight world title against Mauro Cerilli.

“I am so happy for the opportunity to once again be fighting for the world title. As always, I feel motivated and encouraged to do my best. I want to prove to the world that I am not done yet in this sport, and that I can still be world champion,” Folayang said.

The Team Lakay star has racked up two huge victories since losing the title in November 2017 against Nguyen and this time, Folayang said he has learned his lesson as he seeks to reclaim the lightweight belt.

“Losing the title for the first time, it was a very painful feeling. But in defeat, I have discovered my weaknesses and made efforts to improve certain parts of my game. Now I am ready to showcase my championship form once again. It also represents a chance for me to redeem myself, because this is the same place I lost the title one year ago. I have worked very hard since then and now the opportunity was once again given to me,” Folayang said during a public workout last week.

Folayang, despite a huge favorite to win the crown added he is not taking Khan lightly who finished Honorio Banario earlier this year.

“Khan is a great young martial artist. He has shown tremendous growth since his very first ONE Championship bout. I cannot underestimate him because he is younger than I am. This bout is special because it’s taking place in front of my hometown crowd in Manila,” Folayang quipped.

Khan is currently enjoying a two fight win streak finishing banario in September with a rear naked choke in the first round and in May where he also finished Sung Jong Lee with a technical knockout in the second round.

“It has been a long journey for me. I’ve worked very hard for this. I’ll be facing former champion Eduard Folayang, and I’m going to his hometown, so I know it’s going to be a tough challenge. He has the home crowd advantage, but I am confident of victory. I hope to be able to bring this belt back to Singapore. I foresee that I’ll be the Joseph Schooling of mixed martial arts,” Khan said.

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