By Jun Ray Navarres
Team Lakay veteran fighter Eduard “Landslide” Folayang responded to critics’ retirement talks with a confident no despite his recent setbacks.
“The word retirement is not yet in my vocabulary,” Folayang exclaimed.
The 36-year old Team Lakay stalwart is up to prove in his next ONE outing against Antonio “The Spartan” Caruso that he still has what it takes to make a world title run.
“I know there are a lot of people who think I should retire, especially if I lose this fight against Antonio Caruso. I believe there is still a lot of potential to be unleashed,” said former two-time ONE Championship World Champion Folayang.
Folayang is also excited to showcase a better version of him, despite playing the sport for 13 years.
“I am a true martial artist, and I’m constantly learning even at this age. We have a saying in Team Lakay, ‘you win or you learn.’ This means I am constantly getting better with every fight,” said Folayang.
In spite of the pandemic still spreading doom, Folayang, alongside Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao and some teammates safely arrived in Singapore after following strict health and safety protocols implemented by ONE Championship.
“There are a lot of documents required, constant swab testing, personal detail and escort going to and from the hotel, temperature checks at every juncture, and of course, room quarantine. We’re still able to train, move around and do our thing, but what happens is we’re isolated with only a certain group of people,” shared Folayang.
“ONE Championship has really done an amazing job working with the Singapore government, and everything has been great so far.”
Bombarded by the pandemic and the pressure of his next fight, Folayang remained positive and shared some motivation for his fans.
“The world will throw stuff at us, different challenges, but it’s always up to the individual how to deal with those challenges… I choose to be positive and think of the good things that will come through after this pandemic is over,” said Folayang.
“There’s a lot to look forward to, and I’m hopeful for the future.”
“Landslide” is set to return to action in a tight must win fight card at ONE:INSIDE THE MATRIX on Friday, October 30 which will be broadcasted live from Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore – expecting to turn some heads in his comeback fight and prove that he still has a lot of mileage left for the sport.
Follow the writer on Twitter: @burnsports
