Team Lakay’s Geje Eustaquio’s flyweight bout against Yang Jian Bing was scrapped late Thursday evening, a day prior to ONE Championship’s Spirit of Champions card to be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Many were suprised during the Spirit of Champions weigh-ins when it was announced by host Anthony Suntay that the nine-fight card turned into just eight fights.
In a post by the Filipino flyweight, Eustaquio explained Yang was rushed to a nearby medical facility during the day of the weigh-ins. “My opponent didn’t make weight and he was rushed to the hospital due to dehydration and possible heat stroke,” “Gravity” explained in a Facebook post.
Even with the cancellation, Eustaquio thanked his fans, his team, and the ONE Championship organization for the support and the opportunity. “I would like to take this chance to say thank you to the people who stands as my backbone on this career I have chosen. From day 1 to the coming days thank you for being a huge support,” the post added. “To my training camp, we have proven that we [have] the best team: no egos, full respect and real brotherhood.”
“To ONE championship, thank you for the opportunity and for believing us.”
He then sent his well-wishes to his ill opponent to close-out the post. “To my opponent Jian Bin Yang, our prayers goes to you for [your] fast recovery. There’s a lot of lesson [to learn] along the way. Keep learning my friend because I believe we have chosen one of the toughest but happiest job.”
After dropping his last two fights, including a split decision loss during ONE’s Valor of Champions event against Anatpong Bunrad, Eustaquio (6-4) was looking to bounce back against Yang (5-1). But, just as Eustquio’s post ended, “God’s plan always supercedes our plan simply because he knows what’s best for us.”
ONE Championship officials shared with Tiebreaker Times that Eustaquio will still be paid his full fight purse and guarantees that “Gravity” will fight again early next year.
