Known for his knockout power, Filipino featherweight Edward “The Ferocious” Kelly has slid off the ranks for the past year and he knows exactly why.
The 36-year-old Baguio City native went 1-3 in 2019, ending the year with a disappointing decision loss to Tang Kai at ONE: AGE OF DRAGONS in Beijing, China last November and he is not about to make excuses for his dip in form.
“To be honest, I am so disappointed with what I showed in my previous match. Coach Mark talked to me about it, how I was struggling to show the things that I am working for,” Kelly shared.
“Now the eagerness to bounce back is there. I want to prove that I can make my way back up the rankings. I feel so challenged now, I feel the eagerness to step-up.”
Though his plan of rising back up is threatened by the COVID-19 pandemic, Kelly is still excited for his return, hopeful that like his struggles – this virus too shall pass.
“I am excited for my first match in 2020. I know there is a huge health issue that we’re facing right now, but I am training nonetheless,” Kelly shared.
“I’ll continue to train until the situation allows me and I have to be ready for my first challenge.”
“The Ferocious” is very vocal of his desire to become a World Champion in The Home of Martial Arts, and he is aware that it will take him quite some time to get there.
Nonetheless, he remains undeterred by the titanic goal that he set for himself.
“I’ve always been saying that it’s my dream to become a World Champion. I am not losing hope that with hard work and determination, I can get there,” Kelly confidently stated.
“I may have missed out on winning in my previous matches but that is not the end of me. I have to be more determined now and make sure I am at my best each time I compete.”
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