Joshua Pacio talks about his other love ahead of Yosuke Saruta rematch

Other than his passion for martial arts, Joshua "The Passion" Pacio also has another side that most of his fans do not yet to know.

A Muay Thai practitioner at an early age, the former ONE strawweight world champion also grew up as a dog lover.

The 23-year-old star from Team Lakay, as it turns out, is not only about training nor going to college to earn a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management, but he also juggles time and attention for his pet dog he named Turks.

"I have a pet dog, a Beagle breed and  his name is Turks. I got him back in March 2017 after I won my fight against Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke," Pacio revealed.

"I have been a dog lover since I was a kid. My mom is also a dog lover, she even has a pet rooster inside the house."

Pacio says he felt an instant connection with Turks the moment he laid eyes on him a couple of years ago.

It has always been a dream of the young phenom to care for such a dog breed ever since he was a kid, but admits that there are times nowadays when he has no choice but to leave his dog waiting at home.

"I saw this dog food commercial when I was a child where a cute Beagle was featured. When I was finally making my own money, I grabbed the opportunity to have one of my own," said Pacio.

"Sometimes I do not get to spend as much time with him when I am training for a fight. When not in training though, I make sure to it that we stroll around."

"The Passion" however makes the most out of his time together with Turks every chance he gets. He relishes every moment they spend together as his buddy also helps him stay in shape between bouts.

"I was not able to provide him with proper dog training as much as I want to. We jog together in the morning, but I cannot let him off the leash yet because he tends to run away," Pacio said with a laugh.

"He is a good dog, very friendly and would gladly approach anyone. When we eat at a restaurant I always make sure that I bring him something to chew on."

Pacio is scheduled to face Yosuke "Tobizaru" Saruta in a rematch for the ONE Strawweight World Title at ONE: Roots of Honor on April 12 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.

Regardless of the outcome of his next cage appearance, Pacio already has a gift in mind for Turks ahead of his next bout.

"I plan to get another one to be his partner after my rematch with Saruta," he said. "I would like to think of it as my gift for him." — DVM, GMA News