ONE: ‘Underdog’ Rene Catalan confident against youthful champ Joshua Pacio

Rene Catalan. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Rene Catalan is embracing the underdog tag heading into his all-Filipino title clash with strawweight world champion Joshua Pacio in the main event of ONE: Masters of Fate on November 8 at Mall of Asia Arena.

But despite having the odds stacked against him, Catalan is determined to pull off the upset against the much younger Pacio.

“He’s really good, he has youth by his side and he has an excellent camp. There are a lot of people who can help him, and I know that I’m the underdog if we meet,” Catalan said.

“But I am confident in this match. I will stay in front of him, wherever this match goes.”

Catalan, who is 17 years older than Pacio at 40, has been on a tear having won six fights in a row including a first round stoppage of former world champion Yoshitaka Naito in his last bout seven months ago.

And he is focused on continuing his winning ways ahead of his biggest challenge yet.

“I am really determined to win, that’s my advantage,” Catalan said. “Unanimous decision. That’s how I see this match is going. I’ll give everything when we meet. I won’t be giving an inch.”

Pacio is making his first title defense since regaining the belt after knocking out Yosuke Saruta in their rematch last April in Manila.