Pacio out to regain lost Lakay glory in Saruta rematch

MANILA, Philippines — Joshua Pacio's loss to Yosuke Saruta in early January was the first of a sorry series of fights for Team Lakay. 

In a matter of months, Pacio and stablemates Geje Eustaquio, Kevin Belingon and Eduard Folayang all lost their world titles in stinging defeats that left Team Lakay struggling to get back on their feet.

But opportunity knocks for the Baguio natives as Pacio has the chance to regain his title this Friday, this time in front of a home crowd.

With Team Lakay's recovery on his back, Pacio is aware of the significance of Friday's bout.

"I know the magnitude of this matchup and how important this rematch with Yosuke Saruta is," Pacio said during the ONE: Roots of Honor Official kickoff press conference.

"I have the hopes and dreams of an entire country on my shoulders, and I can't let the fans down," he added.

Losing his belt in a tight matchup that went to the judges’ scorecards, Pacio wants to make sure he'll go all out this time.

"I'm coming to regain the belt. It's going to be a war this Friday," he declared.

Perhaps like his defeat triggered the series of losses, maybe a victory on Friday would also signal Team Lakay's rise from the ashes once again.