For the first time since January 19, Joshua Pacio (16-3) came face to face against Yosuke Saruta (19-8-3).
And with fire in his eyes, the young Team Lakay standout knows that he needs to put it all on the line to redeem himself after being handed a heartbreaker in what was his first title defense during ONE: Eternal Glory in Indonesia.
“Siyempre yung plano ngayon, the last time na nagharap kami medyo na-caught off guard ako, medyo na out of focus,” admitted the 23-year-old Wushu artist as Saruta was a late replacement in lieu of the then-injured Hayato Suzuki.
During Eternal Glory, Suzuki got Pacio off guard with his wrestling. Moreover, the Japanese’s stance riddled Pacio all throughout the bout, eventually suffering a split decision loss.
Admittedly, Pacio disclosed that Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao already had a gameplan to stifle Suzuki’s grappling prowess. But he decided to delve away from it, much to his regret.
“Siyempre kailangan nating makinig first.
“Kasi sa laban namin medyo hindi ako naka-focus kay coach so ngayon kailangan makinig ako kay coach Mark and gaya nga ng sabi ko kailangan ko maging more focused and confident,” Pacio said about their upcoming rematch on Friday, April 12 in the co-main event of ONE: Roots of Honor.
Moreover, there will be a lot of pressure for the young native of Baguio City.
During the last three months, Team Lakay, who were once riding high with four world championships, now have none at their cabinet.
But for Pacio, it’s about high time he steps up for his brothers and lift their spirits up.
“Hindi na bago ito sa amin. We’re used to it. Yung pressure kaibigan na namin yan,” he expressed.
“Nasa sa amin na yan kung paano kami mag-deal and paano natin makuha yung belt.”
