Vera ready to fight Parry in ONE FC

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino-American fighter Brandon Vera stressed that he is open to the possibility of squaring off against heavyweight contender Chi Lewis Parry inside the ONE Championship cage.

The 37-year-old Vera received an open challenge from Parry as the British kickboxer believes the crowning of the inaugural ONE heavyweight champion should be decided by a bout between him and the former Ultimate Fighting Championship superstar.

“Chi Lewis Parry is a crazy person. He is challenging me by posting comments on my Facebook and calling me out in his interviews. He can do that by visiting me in my gym or at a ONE FC event and telling it straight to my face,” Vera told Rappler.

Parry (6-0, 1 NC) is one of the few heavyweight prospects in the Asian mixed martial arts circuit today, finishing 6 of his last 7 professional matches by either knockout or submission.

However, “Chopper” was last seen in action on ONE’s “War of Dragons” undercard in July 2014 when he thwarted Alain Ngalani with vicious elbows in the first round of their rematch.

Parry is keeping himself active by fighting in the kickboxing organization Glory, where he recently had a successful promotional debut with a 25-second stoppage of experienced opponent Yong-soo Park.

The 31-year-old Parry is set to participate in a four-man tournament on May 8 that will determine the next challenger of Glory heavyweight titleholder Rico Verhoeven.

“I hope Chi Lewis Parry doesn’t get knocked out in Glory,” Vera said in jest.

Although he received numerous callouts from the Englishman, Vera denied Parry’s allegation that he is avoiding to face the 6-foot-9 behemoth.

“I am willing to fight anyone here in ONE Championship, including Chi Lewis Parry. I will suit up for a fight anytime and anywhere,” he stated.

Vera, who is in the country for ONE’s “Valor of Champions” event Friday, April 24 as part of the broadcast team, last competed this past December when he defeated Ukrainian stalwart Igor Subora with a straight left and follow-up soccer kicks in the first round. – Rappler.com