MANILA, Philippines — Joshua Pacio is a champion once again after emerging victorious against Japanese tormentor Yosuke Saruta to regain the ONE strawweight world title in ONE: Roots of Honor at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Friday night.
The Lakay fighter won the bout via knockout after hitting Saruta with a head kick in the fourth round of the contest.
Pacio, who had lost his belt to Saruta in January, gave Team Lakay a championship once again after he and his stablemates lost four consecutive title defenses earlier this year.
Pacio likewise redeemed his loss to Saruta in front of Filipino fans.
Meanwhile, Pacio's teammate Edward Kelly also notched a win against Korea's Sung Jong Lee earlier.
Filipino fighter Ramon Gonzales went home with a win too after disposing of Japanese foe Akihiro Fujisawa.