Vera, Folayang to go all out for win

MANILA, Philippines — Brandon Vera said he’d rather die than lose on local soil to Italian Mauro Cerilli in his much-anticipated heavyweight title defense in the main event of ONE: Conquest of Champions at the MOA Arena on Friday.

“I’d much rather die than lose in front of the Philippines,” said Vera in yesterday’s press conference at the City of Dreams.

“Hindi ko kaya, hindi ko kaya (I just can’t, really can’t),” he added.

Vera, 41, will have to deal not just with a game Cerilli, the CAGE Warriors heavyweight champion who has won his last five fights including four via knockouts to hike his impressive record to 12-2 (win-loss), but also the rust after a two-year layoff.

But Vera, who has a 15-7 slate, was quick to brush it off.

“I’m only nervous because this is my first fight in two years but rust, no. If there is, I think it will be gone the moment Cerilli hit me. But I’ll be super ready,” said Vera.

Cerilli, 35, said he was just thankful he was given a chance to fight a legend like Vera.

“A few years ago, I couldn’t imagine I’ll be here to fight a legendary fighter like Brandon Vera. And getting this opportunity is a blessing for me. I hope I live up to your expectations and make a name here,” said Cerilli through an interpreter.

Another Filipino, Eduard Folayang, will go all out for redemption after he lost the lightweight title on the very same venue where he battles a fast-rising Amir Khan of Singapore.

The 34-year-old Folayang (20-6), shocked Japanese Shinya Aoki and claimed the lightweight title two years ago before losing it to Martin Nguyen.