Danny “The King” Kingad is in store for a tough night when he takes on former ONE Flyweight World Champion Kairat “The Kazakh” Akhmetov in the semifinals of the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix.
On paper, it looks like an even match-up, as both warriors have the necessary tools to advance to the tournament finals.
However, Kingad’s teammate and former ONE Flyweight World Champion Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio is convinced “The King” has what it takes to best the Kazakh wrestler and advance to the World Grand Prix Championship.
“If I’m a betting man, I will put all of my money on Danny Kingad,” Eustaquio said.
“The match will remain standing, and it will end by unanimous decision. Danny will win this fight.”
Eustaquio shared the ONE Championship Circle twice in his career with Akhmetov. He knows that his old foe has certainly improved from the last time they faced each other.
Akhmetov went on to convincingly defeat Ma Hao Bin at ONE: Conquest of Heroes in September. Then Reece McLaren in the opening round of the World Grand Prix at ONE: A New Era last March to forge a date with Kingad in the semifinals.
“I know Kairat is motivated. He has a different drive, and he’s very motivated to win,” Eustaquio said.
“His strength has always been his Greco-Roman wrestling. We saw that in his fight with Reece McLaren. Reece is a very good wrestler, yet he struggled to take down Kairat.”
However, when it comes to facing Kingad, “Gravity” believes it is a different situation altogether.
Eustaquio knows his teammate’s desire to win this bout outweighs Akhmetov’s, as the young phenom has already started training for the showdown even though an official date for the match-up has yet to be set.
“Danny’s weakness is his experience, but that’s the only edge that Kairat will have over him,” Eustaquio said.
“However, his youth can be translated to hunger, and his drive is certainly there, as he’s already preparing for Kairat as early as now.”
Facing Akhmetov twice in the past, Eustaquio has certainly built a great amount of respect for his old foe. However, he has no doubt in his mind that it will be Kingad who advances to the tournament finals.
But will there be a finish? “Gravity” does not seem to think so.
“They are both great warriors,” he said. “I don’t see anyone tapping or going to sleep.
“This will result in a decision.”
