Joshua Pacio is the ONE Strawweight champion once again. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Team Lakay’s Joshua Pacio reclaimed the ONE strawweight world title after putting Yosuke Saruta to sleep 2:43 into the fourth round in the co-main event of the ONE: Roots of Honor Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Pacio connected with the hardest of right knees squarely on the temple of Saruta earning the 23-year-old from Baguio his second reign atop the division.
READ: Joshua Pacio looks to thrive under pressure in chase to regain belt
He lost his belt in January in a contested split decision against Saruta, but he’s the first one from Team Lakay to regain one of the four world titles they lost this year.
Joshua Pacio vs Yosuke Saruta. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
It was a close contest for much of the rematch with Pacio holding the advantage in terms of striking with Saruta taking the edge in terms of takedowns and ground control.
READ: ‘Refocused, more confident’ Joshua Pacio to show up in rematch
But that solid one knee strike from Pacio punctuated the fight which showed utmost maturity from the youngster.
Joshua Pacio scores a MASSIVE KO, reclaiming the ONE Strawweight World Title! 🇵🇭 #WeAreONE #RootsOfHonor #Manila #MartialArts pic.twitter.com/sPWNAN1H88
— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) April 12, 2019
“Like I said we faced each other there was a lot of hesitation,” said Pacio. “I applied the game plan and you saw it here.”
Pacio (14-3) has now won five of his last six fights while Saruta failed to get his winning streak to three.
Hometown hero Joshua Pacio shares a sensational victory with his fellow Filipinos! 🇵🇭 #WeAreONE #RootsOfHonor #Manila #MartialArts pic.twitter.com/i75H4DCyYa
— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) April 12, 2019
The Baguio City native landed some early spinning back kicks that kept Saruta at bay but the Japanese managed to knock Pacio down midway through the first round.
Pacio then continued with his kicks, with Saruta opting to use his wrestling to gain control of the fight in the second round.