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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Kelly out to defy age as retirement looms

Kelly out to defy age as retirement looms

Published May 27, 2021 09:35 pm

Edward Kelly of Team Lakay (ONE Championship)

Team Lakay veteran Edward Kelly admitted that hanging up his gloves for good has already crossed his mind.

But Kelly wanted to test the waters once more as he steps in the Circle against Egyptian foe Ahmed Faress in ONE: Full Blast at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Friday, May 28.

"Yes, I’ve thought about walking away from it all, mostly due to my age. I’m not a young fighter anymore. I know this is a young man’s game,” said the 37-year-old Kelly, who holds a 12-8 record. “I want to prove to myself that I still have it. I know I still have two to three good fights in me. I want to show the world my fighting heart.

“But I know retirement is just around the corner, because of my age. My mind is willing but I want to test myself and my body," added the Team Lakay stalwart.

READ: Kelly seeks redemption, fresh start vs Egyptian foe

In 2019, Kelly had a dismal showing after losing three of his four fights. He only won against Sung Jong Lee of South Korea via technical knockout.

When the COVID-19 pandemic changed the sporting landscape in 2020, that ís when Kelly took his much-needed reflection on what's next for his career.

READ: Team Lakay’s Edward Kelly tries luck in water refilling business

"To be honest, I’ve gone back and forth with my coach (Mark Sangiao) and my team. They said I was too tense in my fights and that drained a lot of my stamina," explained Kelly. "We worked a lot on fixing that. It’s a big weakness, but I want to show that I’ve overcome that. I want to show the best Edward Kelly in the Circle."

READ: Team Lakay’s Edward Kelly recalls his moment of redemption with ’21 seconds’

Against Faress, the Igorot warrior will be facing a product of ONE Warrior Series who is set for his promotional debut.

The Egyptian fighter, who owns a 16-3 record, used to compete in the Arabic Ultimate Fighting Championship (AUFC) and Bahrain-based promotion BRAVE Combat Federation.

Related Tags

Edward Kelly Team Lakay ONE: Full Blast Ahmed Faress ONE Championship
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