In a stunning turn of events, Geje Eustaquio was brought down by Yuya Wakamatsu’s right hand just minutes into their bout, Friday evening during ONE: Dawn of Heroes.
This is Team Lakay’s third loss of the night, as Edward Kelly and Honorio Banario also suffered defeats. Moreover, this is Eustaquio’s fifth career loss in 15 bouts.
The bout had high stakes, since the winner will be an alternate in the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix.
Wakamatsu remained unperturbed with the bout.
“I was nervous and I was scared, but my left hand landed. My sacrifices paid off,” the 24-year-old Japanese athlete asserted.
Eustaquio tried to be the aggressor early on, but, as he attempted a right leg kick, Wakamatsu went for the one-two combination. The second hit was a crushing right straight that landed squarely on the Filipino’s jaw.
Referees stopped the bout just a minute and 59 seconds into the bout.
“It was very tough, suffered two losses, but I was able to come back,” said Wakamatsu, who raised his slate to 13-7.
If either the victor of the Demetrious Johnson-Tatsumitsu Wada and Danny Kingad-Reece McLaren falls to injury, Wakamatsu takes their place.
