Kelly, Pacatiw falter over the weekend

TRADEMARK. Even with the trademark striking prowess of Team Lakay’s Edward Kelly did not stop his opponent Tang Kai from securing a victory in the undercard of ONE Championship’s “Age of Dragons” at the Cadillac Arena in Beijing, China. (ONE Championship photo)
TRADEMARK. Even with the trademark striking prowess of Team Lakay’s Edward Kelly did not stop his opponent Tang Kai from securing a victory in the undercard of ONE Championship’s “Age of Dragons” at the Cadillac Arena in Beijing, China. (ONE Championship photo)

IT’S another learning process for Team Lakay fighters Edward Kelly and Jeremy Pacatiw who both failed to get their hands raised over the weekend.

Kelly fell short of victory after a unanimous decision loss against Chinese fighter Tang Kai in the undercard of ONE Championship’s “Age of Dragons” at the Cadillac Arena in Beijing, China.

Two takedowns sealed the opening frame for the Chinese athlete, which forced the Filipino veteran to come out with more aggression in round two. However, even the trademark Team Lakay spinning kicks had little effect on the Dragon Warrior Shanghai representative, and he controlled about half the round in side control after another takedown.

In the final period, Tang stayed on the outside and peppered Kelly with overhand rights and low kicks to seal a unanimous decision win. That delighted the Beijing crowd, and pushed his record to 10-2. Pacatiw, meanwhile, had his three-game winning streak snapped after losing to Ali Qaisi in a controversial decision in Brave Combat Federation’s event over the weekend.

Coach Mark Sangiao, however, expressed his disappointment following Pacatiw’s loss.

“I am speaking as a father for our dear athletes who are sacrificing so much and deserve clean game, for our future athletes that they may not experience the same, for future bouts that this will never happen again and for the love of fair game. This is not a rant nor a hatred, but a reality,” Sangiao said.

“The game finished and our Juggernaut sealed this well and squared, we all know that. But Team Lakay and Jeremy are still grateful despite whole lot. Pure and straight sportsmanship, acceptance and respect is all we answer back. Fairness and clean game is all we ask. I am speaking as a Father for our dear athletes who are sacrificing so much and deserve clean game, for our future athletes that they may not experience the same, for future bouts that this will never happen again and for the love of fair game,” added Sangiao.

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