Joshua Pacio eyes trilogy with Yosuke Saruta

Reigning ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua Pacio has his eyes set on unfinished business for his next title defense.

The 24-year-old from Team Lakay has expressed his desire to defend the gold-plated strap against former Shooto and ONE strawweight world champion Yosuke Saruta. Having gone 1-1 with the Japanese veteran, Pacio believes it is about time to settle the score once and for all.

“Right now I think the number one contender is Yosuke Saruta. He just recently defeated Yoshitaka Naito and it was a solid performance,” Pacio said.

“We’ve had two fights so far, with one victory each, so I feel there is some unfinished business there. I’m looking forward to settling that in the circle.”

The young phenom from Baguio City last saw action inside the cage in January against ex-champ Alex Silva where he won by way of split decision.

And though 2020 turned out to be Pacio’s least active year as a competitor since 2015, he vowed to be even better the next time he enters the cage.

“I am confident I can defend my belt multiple times. Even now, I am still just 24 years old, I’m still getting better every time." -- BAP, GMA News