Hindi nagtagumpay si Joshua “The Passion” Pacio na madepensahan ang kanyang ONE Strawweight World Title. Napasuko siya ni Yosuke “Tobizaru” Saruta sa main event ng ONE: ETERNAL GLORY nung Sabado, Enero 19.

Ang split-decision na pagkatalo kay Saruta ay mahirap tanggapin para kay Pacio pero dahil sa suporta ng kanyang mga tagahanga ay pakiramdam niya ay panalo pa rin siya.

“Seeing all these messages just motivated me more. The love and support were overwhelming. I could not thank everyone one by one, but I promised them that I’ll do better next time,” sabi niya.

“These messages motivate me to become a better competitor and to continue what I love doing. I will learn many things from it.

‘Hindi na raw tungkol sa basketball;’ Coaching staff ng La Salle, UP, nagkaduruan!

“I’ll take this loss as a big lesson. I'm confident that I’ll come back stronger after this.”

Hindi na makapaghintay si Pacio na makalaban ulit matapos ianunsiyo ni ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong ang rematch para sa ONE Strawweight World Champion na gaganapin bago matapos ang taon.

“I’m very happy that I will have the chance to get my belt back. With my people behind my back, there's no mountain I cannot conquer,” pahayag niya.

“I will be back better than ever and will become a World Champion again soon.”

The 23-year-old Baguio City native believes his defeat to Saruta could be a blessing in disguise as it will prepare him to be a much better competitor.

Ang 23 anyos na tiga Baguio City ay naniniwalang ang pagkatalo kay Saruta ay isang blessing in disguise at mas ihahanda siya na maging isang mas magaling na atleta.

“I’m not going to waste the opportunity the next time we meet each other,” sabi ni Pacio. “I’ll bring the title back here in the Philippines.”