Faces of the News: Eduard Folayang

Illustration by Rene Elevera

Eduard Folayang gave Filipino fight fans a reason to celebrate as he displayed masterful striking to defeat challenger E.V. “E.T.” Ting of Malaysia to retain his ONE Lightweight World Championship.

The former wushu national athlete was simply peerless on the ring as he used a mix of lightning attacks and spinning charges to pepper Ting with side kicks and timed punches.

Folayang actually stayed on the outside a lot, looking to counter whatever the Malaysian brought to the fight, but Ting could not find his range.

All three judges saw the match in favor of Folayang.

Making the night even sweeter for Folayang was when eight-division world champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao congratulated him inside the cage after the bout.

Folayang even tore a page out of the Pacman’s script when he paid tribute to his foe for helping put up a good fight for the fans.

Folayang was hardly in trouble during the five-round match, finding an answer to every Ting attack.