FORMER strawweight titleholder Yosuke “The Ninja” Saruta is full of confidence ahead of his highly anticipated rubber match with reigning One strawweight world champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio.
The Japanese standout takes on the Team Lakay ace in one of three world title bouts scheduled at One: Revolution, which broadcasts live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium on September 24.
It’s the third and perhaps final fight between the two strawweight dynamos, with each man having one win apiece.
Both Saruta and Pacio are looking to settle the score once and for all in this trilogy.
Ranked the No. 1 contender, Saruta said he knows what to expect against Pacio, adding that the Filipino star will be as dangerous as ever.
“I will break Pacio’s fighting spirit, break his will and finish him between rounds four and five,” Saruta said. “That’s my prediction. Whether I knock him out or submit him, I am coming for the finish.”
Saruta first locked horns with Pacio in 2019, when he surprised Pacio by winning a close split decision to wrest the strawweight belt from the Filipino’s grasp.
The two figured in an immediate rematch shortly after, but Pacio was able to even up the score and reclaim his title via a thrilling head kick knockout victory.
In the main event, Christian “The Warrior” Lee defends his lightweight against No. 3 Ok Rae Yoon.