Joshua Pacio vows to put on convincing performance in ONE strawweight title rematch

Team Lakay’s Joshua Pacio. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—In just three months since yielding his belt, Joshua Pacio is getting his chance to avenge that painful loss to Yosuke Sarurta.

A rematch has been set between Pacio and Saruta for April 12 at Mall of Asia in the co-main of ONE: Roots of Honor headline by Martin Nguyen and Jadamba Narantungala, true to ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong promise.

READ: Joshua Pacio admits to shortcomings in close title loss to Yosuke Saruta

ONE’s top honcho boldly said just a few days after their ONE strawweight bout last January that Pacio should’ve won that fight and a rematch is definitely going to happen.

“I’ll prove in this rematch that the judges won’t hesitate to give me the win,” said Pacio in Filipino Thursday at Gloria Maris in Gateway during Team Lakay’s media lunch.

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Pacio admitted that there were areas in their game plan that he failed to execute against Saruta but the split decision verdict was too close of a call for him, and apparently for Sityodtong.

But the controversial loss did not dampen Pacio’s spirits and it instead fueled his inner fire to prove that he deserves the title.

“I have to dominate the fight so even if it goes to the judges it would be a clear win,” said Pacio. “But if I get the opportunity to end it early, then I’ll do it.”

Pacio admitted that what he showed against Saruta wasn’t his best, and he’s determined to change that in their next fight.

“For me, it’s hard because I know I didn’t fight at the best of my abilities,” said Pacio (13-3). “I wasn’t able to execute some parts of our game plan, so this time I have another chance of executing it perfectly.”