Si Eric “The Natural” Kelly ang una sa mga aaming may personal na problemang pinagdadaanan nitong mga nakalipas na buwan.

Sa panahong ito ay nakatutulong na makausap niya ang kanyang nakababatang kapatid na si Edward “The Ferocious” Kelly na laging nagpapalakas ng loob niya.

Umaasa si Eric na iwanan na ang kanyang mga problema kapag nakaharap na niya ang Chinese sanda specialist na si Niu Kang Kang sa preliminary card ng ONE: LEGENDARY QUEST na gaganapin sa Baoshan Arena, Shanghai, China sa Sabado, Hunyo 15.

"I told him to go through mental training, and he agreed. I know that has been dragging him down because, physically, he looks great,” sabi ni Edward nang tanungin siya tungkol sa kanyang kuya. “His mental toughness and fighting spirit are what’s lacking."

For the Team Lakay standout, he cannot question his brother’s dedication to the craft as he has seen “The Natural” work on his physical fitness relentlessly.

Ayon kay Edward hindi niya makukuwestiyon ang dedikasyon ng kapatid lalo na’t laging nag-eensayo si Eric.

“I know he lives in the gym. He doesn’t do anything but train. I don’t think we can say that he lacks training, but he lacks the killer instinct already. Maybe he got carried away with his other problems,” sabi ni Edward.

“I think he’s in good shape, but some things have to change. I observed in his previous fights that his reactions are lacking and he’s not as quick as he used to be."

Pinakikinggan naman ni Eric ang mga paalala ng kanyang kapatid upang mas bumuti ang kalagayan niya.

Alam niyang importante ang pagiging tapat ni Edward at marahil ito ang maging sagot sa matanggal niyang hindi pakikipaglaban sa ONE Championship.

"Yes, what my brother said is true,” pag-amin ni Eric.

“To be honest, I’m in a bad situation, personally. There are times where I struggle to focus on my training sessions, but I always push myself to find time for my training.”

Isa sa mga kinatatakutang atleta si Eric noon sa featherweight division. Ang 37 anyos ay nalaglag sa huli niyang anim na laban at wala siyang magawa.

Alam niyang hindi masosolusyunan agad ang problema niya kaya ginagawa niya ang lahat upang mag-focus sa ibang bagay, ang kalaban niyang Chinese sa Hunyo 15.

“It has always been there. This isn’t a way out. It’s not going to go away anytime soon, so I might as well focus on giving myself time to train,” paliwanag niya.

“[Fans] can expect an Eric Kelly who has no quit in him and will always strive to get back [on top].”

Sa kabila ng paghihirap ni Eric ay kampante si Edward na makakahanap ng paraan ang kanyang kuya upang makabalik ulit sa dati.

“I think he knows the adjustments that he has to make. I know he wants to win again and get the adoration of the people once more,” sabi ni Edward.

“I think he can get his old form back. I am confident in him, and I hope to see him back on the winning track.”