Eight-division world champion Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao celebrated his Joshua “The Passion” Pacio’s latest conquest at ONE 171: Qatar inside Lusail Sports Arena in Doha.
The Lions Nation MMA star in Pacio finally exorcised an old demon in Jarred Brooks to unify the ONE Strawweight MMA World Title and become the division’s undisputed on February 20.
Pacquiao took time away from his hectic senatorial campaign to send a message of support to the Filipino MMA king after coming out of that trilogy on top.
For Pacquiao, the best has certainly yet to come for Pacio, who’s only 29 years old.
“You have proven that Filipino fighters are built for greatness. Your hard work, dedication, and fighting spirit were on full display as you reclaimed the ONE Strawweight MMA World Championship,” Pacquiao said.
“The entire Philippines is proud of you,” he said. “I have no doubt this is just the beginning of an even greater legacy. Keep inspiring the next generation.”
Trilogies and rivalries are also not foreign to Pacquiao. And, like Pacio, he’s pretty good at them.
Pacquiao built a career out of major rivalries, beating Mexican legend Erik Morales in their trilogy, sweeping Marco Antonio Barrera in their two fights, while having a 2-1-1 record against his tightest rival in Juan Manuel Marquez in a rare boxing quadrilogy.
He also has a trilogy win over American boxer Timothy Bradley.
Pacio, likewise, has made a name for himself in rematches, owning the name “rematch king” as he’s gone 5-0 against fighters who’ve dealt him losses in the past.
