Joshua Pacio. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Not a lot of fighters can say they’ve become a world champion, let alone a two-time champion at just 23 years old like Team Lakay star Joshua Pacio.
But Pacio wants to be known as more than just a star inside the cage as he aims to make a lasting legacy in the sport.
“I want to leave behind a legacy that inspires the youth to be more,” Pacio said when asked about his long-term goal as an athlete.
“I want them to realize that if they really want to, they must pursue their passion and put in the work. I want to show them that dreams should be paired with hard work.”
For now, Pacio’s goal is to keep the strawweight belt around his waist.
“Back then my motivation was just getting the championship, now the goal is holding it for as long as I can,” Pacio said.
Pacio reclaimed the belt after knocking out Japanese Yosuke Saruta in the fourth round of their rematch four months ago, but with no title defense scheduled as of yet, he will be making good use of his time helping out his Team Lakay stablemates set to fight in ONE: Century in October while also contemplating about his future.
“Of course I’m always pushed by my family and my teammates to just keep on working. I know that if we continue to work hard, we’re going to see the results,” he said.
“The success is in my name, Pacio – it’s our passion, the passion of our coach, coach Mark in martial arts,” Pacio added. “Back then, we didn’t have good facilities during training, but [we] found ways. It’s all about love for the sport, it’s the key to our success moving forward.”