Eustaquio avenges loss to Akhmetov
Homegrown Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio scored a unanimous decision victory over former champion Kairat “The Kazakh” Akhmetov of Kazakhstan on Friday night to put himself back in the title conversation for the ONE flyweight world crown at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Fighting out of the Baguio City-based Team Lakay stable, Eustaquio used his striking skills to the hilt, landing repeated crisp and clean combinations that staggered Akhmetov throughout their thrilling five-round encounter.
With the victory, his 10th overall in 16 fights overall, Eustaquio earned some measure of revenge over Akhmetov who scored a split decision loss in their previous encounter in Jakarta, Indonesia last September.
More importantly, Eustaquio clinched the ONE interim flyweight crown and set himself up for a potential blockbuster showdown with reigning titleholder, Brazilian Adriano Moraes, who was in attendance.
“Adriano, I know you’re there. I got a belt! Give me one more try and I hope to give you a better challenge this time,” said Eustaquio, 28, who was forced to tap out by Moraes via a guillotine choke submission last Sept. 12, 2014.
In the co-main event, Joshua “The Passion” Pacio also gave the hometown crowd something to cheer about as he submitted Chinese rival Lan Ming Qiang via a rear naked choke at the 4:01 mark of the opening round.
Pacio, 22, improved his record to 11-2, inching closer towards a possible shot for the ONE strawweight diadem currently hold by Brazilian star Alex Silva.
Meanwhile, veteran Eric “The Natural” Kelly felly prey to comebacking Brazilian counterpart Rafael “Indio” Nunes via a deep d’arce choke in the second round.
Another Filipino bet, featherweight standout Edward “The Ferocious” Kelly, delivered a sensational firstround knockout against Cambodian foe Meas Meul, dropping the Cambodian with a high kick 21 seconds into the contest.
Also emerging triumphant was promising Jomary Torres, who knocked Team Lakay atomweight ace April Osenio out with 40 seconds left in the opening round.