Joshua Pacio and Eric “The Natural” Kelly are back in a ONE cage when they try to improve their already impressive records as they make the draw of ONE: Kings & Conquerors this August 5 in Macau.
Only 21, Pacio has amassed already 9 wins against a single loss in his career. The future face of Team Lakay banks on his wushu with a solid grappling repertoire to finish all but one of his opponents in spectacular fashion. Five of his eight of his career victories have come by submission and three by knockout.
In his latest bout, Pacio pocketed a hard-fought split decision victory over former champion Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke last March.
The former ONE Strawweight World Championship title challenger is now looking to bring himself back to title contention with another victory as he is slated to lock horns with Hayato Suzuki in the event.
Pacio should have his hands full as the 30-year-old Suzuki is an undefeated fighter from Saitama, Japan. He carries an unblemished 16-0-2 record, although he spent majority of his career competing in Japan.
Suzuki is a well-rounded warrior who has the ability to stop his foes with his heavy hands and technical grappling skills. 11 of his opponents failed to finish their match that includes six succumbing by submission and five going down by knockout. He is making his ONE Championship debut against Pacio.
The veteran Kelly assembled a career record of 12-3 mainly by combining solid striking techniques with high-level grappling skills. Nine of his victories came via impressive submissions and one by knockout.
Kelly, 35, is coming off back-to-back losses against Narantungalag Jadambaa and EV Ting. His most impressive showing to date came via a hard-fought submission win over Rob Lisita in 2014, a performance which earned him a US$50,000 ONE Warrior Bonus.
He is attempting to get back on track against tough striker Kotetsu “No Face” Boku.
Boku, is a South Korean, now Japan-based, former ONE Lightweight World Champion, with more than 30 professional bouts on his resume, Boku always plays a crowd pleaser by utilizing his dynamic boxing background with world-class grappling to subdue his opponents.
These bouts and the entire ONE: Kings & Conquerors draw are broadcasted by two of the biggest TV stations in the country.
By: ARMANDO M. BOLISLIS
