Last Updated on December 12, 2023
In the first of three World Title contests, reigning ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua Pacio overwhelmed #1-ranked contender Yosuke Saruta with a barrage of punches to author an exhilarating first-round knockout, winning the trilogy match. The longtime rivals chose to trade strikes at the center of the Circle from the sound of the opening bell, with the Japanese fighter pushing the pace and the Filipino standout opting to counter. After Pacio hurt Saruta with a left hand, he swarmed his opponent to swiftly complete the finish and retain the gold.
