Veteran Boku keeps fire burning, seeks win over Filipino Eric Kelly

MANILA, Philippines — For Kotetsu Boku, age is just a number.

The Japanese fighter, who has long proven that he’s a crowd pleaser, noted that his hunger for a title hasn’t waned — even after 30 professional bouts.

“I am still hungry. I still have the heart to compete,” Boku said.

Boku will have to dispatch Filipino fighter Eric Kelly before he gets back into that contender circuit, though.

“Eric is a talented competitor. He is also a veteran like me. I must improve my overall game in all scenarios and make a good plan to win the fight,” the Shizuoka native said.

Boku, who once held the Lightweight strap, touts five wins in his total eight tours of duty in ONE. He will be fighting in a lighter side (featherweight) when he takes on Kelly in the “Kings and Conquerors” showpiece this Saturday.

And while he has a Filipino on his cross hairs, Boku admitted that he still keeps current Lightweight champ Eduard Folayang, a former tormentor, in his sights.

“I would love to fight Eduard Folayang again. I must keep fighting with big wins to face him again,” he conveyed,” he said.

“My dream, goal and vision to have a title shot are still alive. I did not get to fight for it once more. This is another step or another journey to elevate my status as a contender for the title,” he said.

And he added that his aging frame won’t get in the way. Neither does his stamina.

“I am training and always prepared for retirement because I do not know what may happen to my life. Of course, I want to leave the sport as a world champion. I am digging deep to reach that goal. I will give everything I got in my upcoming fight,” he concluded.

Boku and Kelly will lock horns on Saturday night at the Cotai Arena inside the Venetian Macao.