The first three months of 2019 were a nightmare for Team Lakay.
After winning four world titles a year ago, Team Lakay was left with none to close out the month of March.
Joshua Pacio had been stunned by Yosuke Saruta to drop the Strawweight belt back on January 19. Six days later, Geje Eustaquio fell to Adriano Moraes to lose the Flyweight strap.
Then during ONE: A New Era, Kevin Belingon was disqualified, dropping the Bantamweight championship to Bibiano Fernandes. In the main event of the historic Japan card, Eduard Folayang was sent to sleep by Shinya Aoki, letting go of the Lightweight belt in the process.
The rebuilding of the famed camp out of Baguio City had to start somewhere. And 23-year-old Pacio was the man to do the job.
“Sa una si Joshua yung natalo nung January,” said head coach Mark Sangiao during the press conference of ONE: Roots of Honor.
“Siya yung una na nakuhaan ng belt, so hopefully siya rin yung unang makakuha ng belt.”
First, however, Edward Kelly had to build up the team.
Edward went up to 12-6.
In the co-main event, it was Pacio’s turn. The young gun made sure there would be no doubts this time around, blasting Yosuke Saruta with a right head kick in the fourth round to reclaim his throne.
Watching on the sidelines all night long was Folayang himself. And the elder statesman of the camp was beaming over the sensational performances of his teammates.
“Well, right now, I would like to congratulate my teammates Joshua and Edward. I think they are the start for everyone for the team,” expressed Folayang, a two-time world champion.
“We lost four belts. I think we will rise up again.”
Seeing his teammates carry the team on their shoulders inspired Folayang to get back to the gym. But before anything else, he made sure to celebrate this triumph as it was very well-deserved.
“This time is the best time to start another training camp but for now, we are here to celebrate the victory of our teammates.”
