Team Lakay teammates and best friends Joshua Pacio and Danny Kingad experienced the sweetest of victories in Jakarta, Indonesia on Saturday evening.
When the two Lakay stalwarts were in the midst of wrapping up their training camps for their respective bouts, a calamity struck the Philippines – particularly Benguet – in super typhoon Ompong. It caused massive damage to property and left hundreds dead.
And it served as inspiration for Pacio and Kingad to win their bouts.
“Ang panalo namin ay makatulong para ma-uplift ang spirits nila sa napakahirap na panahon na ito,” Pacio said before leaving for Jakarta.
Saturday evening, the two put up gallant stands.
Earlier during Conquest of Heroes, Kingad was able to weather an early surge by Yuya Wakamatsu to take home a unanimous decision win. It lifted his slate to 10-1.
Then later on, Pacio fully realized his dream to become a world champion in the sport of mixed martial arts, dethroning Japanese rival Yoshitaka “Nobita” Naito. Pacio notched a unanimous decision in their rematch to capture the ONE Strawweight World Championship.
Photo from ONEFC.com
It was a masterful performance by 22-year-old, as he was able to control the pace of the bout with his striking and grappling defense.
“I would like to thank my coach Mark Sangiao, who is here, and all our coaches, friends and sponsors,” shared Pacio, who is now Team Lakay’s third current champion – the fifth overall in ONE Championship. “They had our back since day one. I tried to counter his takedowns and grappling, but this guy is a legend. He was so tough.”
All throughout the bout, he had one thing in mind: For Baguio. And as he had his hand raised with gold around his waist, the Baguio native could not help but tear up.
“Last week, typhoons struck Baguio City, Benguet, and the Cordilleras. A lot of places were hit hard. Many people died and some are still missing,” he expressed.
“This is for all of them.”
But the fight is not yet over for Pacio and Kingad. They are now rushing to get back to Baguio to help with the relief efforts.
“After our bouts, lahat kami sa Team Lakay, hindi lang kami ni Danny, ay willing to help sa mga relief efforts.”
