ONE on TNT IV’s icon versus icon showdown between Eduard Folayang and Yoshihiro Akiyama has been scrapped.
The Japanese-Korean star revealed on his Instagram account that he suffered a complete bicep tear, which has forced him out of his match scheduled to take place on April 29 at Singapore Indoor Stadium.
“Unfortunately my scheduled date for ONE Championship fight on April 29 has been cancelled. Due to a complete tear in my ligaments and bicep muscles sustained during my training camp, I, unfortunately, have come to the decision that I will not fight.”
Akiyama (15-7 2NC), 45, would have made his return to the Circle after a 14-month absence. The Asian Games gold medalist was coming off a win against Sherif Mohamed during King of the Jungle.
Folayang (22-10), on the other hand, is still waiting for a clearance to fly to Singapore. He came in close contact with two teammates who have tested positive for COVID-19, namely Stephen Loman and Lito Adiwang.
“To ONE Championship fighter Eduard Folayang and to all fans, I am truly sorry to break this news out to you in such a way,” continued Akiyama’s statement.
“But I promise to recover and come back a better fighter for my next fight!”
ONE Championship is still plotting its next move on who Folayang will face next if he receives permission to travel and take part in the promotion’s four-part extravaganza.
