Joshua Pacio: Alex Silva Is A Proven And Tested Warrior

After starting 2019 with a little hiccup, when he lost his ONE strawweight world title to Yosuke Saruta in the promotion’s opening event of the year, Joshua Pacio successfully reclaimed the title against the Japanese star last April at ONE: Roots of Honor. And he did so in spectacular fashion, scoring a highlight reel knockout.

Pacio then defended the belt against his fellow Filipino Rene Catalan in November, in the ONE: Masters of Fate main event, to stay on top of the division.

Now, the Filipino superstar is preparing for the toughest test yet in his young martial arts career, as he is scheduled to meet former title-holder Alex Silva on January 31st, in the main event of ONE: Fire And Fury.

Before they meet inside the circle, the Team Lakay standout is never short of praise to the Brazilian veteran and Joshua acknowledeged every good point about his opponent.

Ahead of his latest title defence, the Team Lakay standout recognised how stern a test Silva will pose in their headline bout in Manila.

“He’s in an amazing team with Evolve, he’s been a champion, and he has always been a top contender, so I expect this to be really tough,” Pacio told ONE Championship.

“Every time he competes, he improves. He will leave you in awe when you’re watching him on the ground and his striking has been improving as well.”

With eight of his nine wins coming by way of submission, Pacio is under no illusion that Silva will be at his most dangerous if the bout goes to the ground. The 23-year old champion however, acknowledges that his opponent has continuously elevated his all around skill set over the years.

“His strength has always been his grappling, I don’t think we can say anything about it, but if it stays striking, that’s our expertise.

“He has improved in his striking but we could still see some holes in it. Sometimes he gets wobbled, though, to his credit, he always recovers after getting dazed. He is a proven and tested warrior.”

But despite the tricky task ahead of him, Pacio’s confidence is at all time high and he promises to do his best to ensure that the belt will staying in the Philippines.

“Of course we would be looking for a finish, but it will always depend on where the fight goes. But, you can expect that I will do everything to get that win, whether by knockout or decision,” Pacio added.

Pacio’s last four performances in front of his home fans have all finished by way of finish. But with the target on his back, that comes with being the champion, ‘The Passion’ knows he needs to he keep evolving.

“I can say I’ve been satisfied with my performances, especially against kuya Rene who is a very good fighter. I am happy I was able to execute my game plan and get those finishes.

“However, I need to be different every time. I have to do new things every time I compete. I know the rest of the division’s eyes are on me so I need to show them new things each time.”

ONE: Fire And Fury goes down on January 31st at the Mall Of Asia Arena, in Manila, Philippines.


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