Rene Catalan. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Rene Catalan is out of the fringes and is now on the cusp of history as he is scheduled to challenge Joshua Pacio for the ONE World strawweight title.
Racking up six straight after starting his professional career 0-2 with one no contest, Catalan has the chance to solidify himself as one of the best 125-lb martial artists in the sport.
“I’m one hundred percent focused on getting this belt,” said the 40-year-old Catalan (6-2). “It’s every fighter’s dream to become a World champion. I’m hungry and determined to win the title.”
Catalan faces the younger Pacio in main event on November 8 in the same card where Filipino icon Eduard Folayang takes on Mongolia’s Amarsanaa Tsogookhuu.
“Joshua Pacio is only human,” said Catalan who founded the Catalan Fighting System. “Just like every other fighter, he has strengths and weaknesses. We’re going to try and deal with that in the fight.”
“It all comes down to the game plan we have heading into this. It’s going to be an exciting contest.”
Pacio has had a busy 2019, fighting Yosuke Saruta twice, with the last victory giving him back his title.