Eustaquio insists latest setback was ‘not a loss, but a lesson’

MANILA, Philippines — Geje Eustaquio may have suffered a defeat at the hands of Kairat Akhmetov. But he doesn’t count it as a loss.

After losing a three-round split decision in ONE Championship’s Total Victory card in Jakarta, Indonesia last Saturday, the Team Lakay ward was emphatic in saying in “we never lose.”

“It’s either we win or we learn," he added. ”My match is a learning process for me and my team.”

A former Flyweight champion, Akhmetov overwhelmed the once-contender Eustaquio with his wrestling savvy. The Baguio City native would counter with his strikes, but it wasn’t enough to convince the judges otherwise.

 

And while he regrets losing the chance to return to contender status, the young striker noted that it has enabled him to grow.

"It’s hard to lose my winning momentum. A victory tonight might have catapulted me into a title shot, but I have to accept the outcome of the bout,” he explained. "The good thing about this sport is that
losses are avenues for competitors to grow. Surely, I will learn from this and be a better martial artist.”

And his parting shot remains as competitive as his swagger prior entering the cage.

“Akhmetov was the better man. I give him my respect. Maybe someday we'll meet again. (When) that happens, he will face an improved version of Geje Eustaquio.”