Eustaquio knocks out Merican on ONE FC card in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Filipino fighter Geje Eustaquio knocked out Malaysian Saiful Merican in front of his hometown crowd on the undercard of ONE Championship “Clash of Heroes” event on Friday, January 29 at the 10,000-seater Stadium Negara in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

With his timing and precision, the 26-year-old native of Baguio City, Benguet finished the job at the 1:21 mark of the first round by delivering a solid left hook to the temple and made sure that Merican was down and out with one soccer kick.

“I am so sorry Malaysia that I have to beat your hometown hero,” Eustaquio apologized after the fight. 

Eustaquio showed his patience in the short flyweight contest, which was scheduled for 3, 5-minute rounds, as he allowed Merican to advance by extending leg kicks. 

As Merican lunged in for a combination, Eustaquio stepped back and clobbered a thunderous left hook before he triggered a technical ground kick to coerce referee Joey Lepiten to wave it off.

With the impressive victory over Merican, Eustaquio snaps his two-fight losing skid and improves his professional standing to 7-4.

“I am open whoever wants me to fight inside this cage. ONE Championship will decide my fate. I am ready,” Eustaquio said. 

On the other hand, Merican heads back to the losing territory a with a downgraded prizefighting record of 4-3. – Rappler.com