Eustaquio says he has edge in five-round fight vs Akhmetov in rematch

Flyweights Geje Eustaquio of the Philippines, left, and Kairat Akhmetov of Kazakhstan pose for the media during the pre-fight press conference Monday at City of Dreams Manila ahead of their rematch in the main event of ONE: Global Superheroes set on Friday at Mall of Asia Arena. Mark Giongco/INQUIRER.net

Geje Eustaquio believes that the longer the fight goes, the better his chances are at beating Kairat Akhmetov in their rematch for the interim flyweight world title in the main event of ONE: Global Superheroes on Friday.

Eustaquio, took pride not only in his stamina but also in the reputation Team Lakay fighters has built over time as well-conditioned athletes.

“It (five rounds) is an advantage because we at Team Lakay are known to have big gas tanks. Five rounds is a bit of an advantage for us,” Eustaquio said on Monday during a press conference at City of Dreams Manila in Parañaque.

But his Kazakh foe thinks otherwise.

Akhmetov said fighting in a five-round bout is nothing new to him and he sees no problems going the distance with Eustaquio.

“I’ve already had five-round fights before. I’m ready for it,” Akhmetov said through a translator.

The former flyweight titleholder has had a couple of fights that went the full route, both against Adriano Moraes.

In contrast, it will be Eustaquio’s first time to fight in a five-round bout.

The 28-year-old Eustaquio dropped a close decision to Akhmetov four months ago in Jakarta, Indonesia.

But he is convinced that he’s more prepared now than their first encounter.

“He’s a world class wrestler. He can also kick, he can also punch, but all my life, I’ve been doing striking, all my life I’ve been doing wrestling,” he said.

“I believe I’m ready for this the second time around.”