It was a simple request, one that employees ask from their bosses every day all over the world. Eric Kelly’s son was celebrating his birthday. So he asked to leave early to spend time with him.
Little did Kelly know that hours later he’d come under investigation in an assassination plot.
Kelly got a devastating call later that day. His boss, Pablo Glean, had been shot and killed by four gunman while he was having coffee with friends at a convenience store. Glean was a security aide for Jejomar Binay, the mayor of Makati City in Manila, Philippines, and Kelly was one of his bodyguards. The man who took over his detail, Benhur Bernados, also died in the shooting, according to published reports.
Kelly was overcome with emotion. The man who had took him under his wing and given him a steady job was gone. Then another thought popped into his head: Could he also be a target? Does anyone think he could have orchestrated the killings?
“I was very afraid,” Kelly told The Post. “But they searched every part of my life. They found out I was innocent.”
Binay said at the time that the assassination was politically motivated. Two of the shooters were eventually arrested. Kelly, police found out, had no involvement, but the tragic event left him heartbroken, confused and without direction.
The life-altering incident, which happened in 2006, pushed Kelly further into MMA. He had been training in forms of martial arts since he was a boy, but after Glean was killed he had no job and few places to turn. Kelly found solace – and eventually an occupation – in MMA.
On Saturday, he’ll have the biggest opportunity of his career, a chance to better the life himself, his wife and three kids.
Kelly, 30, will meet fellow Filipino star Honorio Banario in the main event of ONE Fighting Championship: Return of Warriors on Friday in Malaysia. The fight will decide the organization’s first-ever featherweight champion. It’ll be available to watch online at 9 a.m. EST Saturday morning at onefc.livesport.tv.
“This is a stepping stone for my career,” Kelly said. “The thing for me is I want the simple life. The simple life is what I’m dreaming about.”
Outside of the tragic murder of his mentor, Kelly’s life has been a struggle. He has lived on the streets and in parks. He’s had a plethora of odd jobs – from farmer to taxi driver to television stunt man.
Things are finally on the right track now, though. He trains and teaches MMA classes at MuayFit in Malaysia. Kelly doesn’t see his family back in the Philippines as often as he wants, but he’s making enough money to provide for them. His goal is still to own a home – his wife and children still live in his father’s house.
“That’s my dream,” Kelly said.
This weekend’s matchup against Banario is so much more than a fight for Kelly. It’s a gateway. He still has fights left on his ONE FC contract, but he’s already been contacted by UFC and Bellator. One day, the United States could be a destination for the well-rounded, talent warrior.
“They want me to come into the states to train,” Kelly said. “But my kids are still young.”
Kelly is an undefeated 9-0 with a TKO of UFC legend Jens Pulver on his résumé. He has finished all but one fight and is regarded as one of the more talented fighters in Asia.
With the need to thrive keeping him going now, the tragedy – and fear – that was so much a part of his life is gone.
“It’s in the past,” he said. “All the people know that I’m innocent. I’m not afraid now.”