It's one of those rare moments when two Filipino fighters will fight for the crown in the ONE Championships.
Strawweight title holder Joshua Pacio and Rene Catalan will be duking it out in the main event of ONE: Masters of Fate at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
For the 40-year-old Catalan, he does not relish the thought of fighting for honors against a fellow Filipino.
But the former national wushu champ said he will be up to the task when the he confronts Pacio.
“Ayokong lumaban sa kapwa ko Filipino dahil gusto ko itayo lagi ang banderang Pilipino. Pero dahil marami na ring nagsasabi sa akin na ituloy ko mula sa mga fans, na-accept ko na ang offer,” said Catalan, who hails from Iloilo City.
Catalan said this following an open workout held by many other Filipino fighters who are involved in ONE: Masters of Fate at the Elorde Sports Complex in Sucat, Paranaque.
Coming into his showdown with Pacio, Catalan has a record of six straight wins wins and two losses.
All his victories were against foreign opponents, including a win by technical knockout in the 4:32 mark of the first round against Yoshitaka Naito last March.
On the other hand, the 23-year-old Baguio-based Pacio will be going for his second consecutive triumph since knocking out Yosuke Saruta last April.
“Putting on a show for all the Filipino people, it’s always something I am excited for. Rene Catalan is a worthy challenger. He’s riding a six-bout winning streak and is full of confidence. I am expecting only the best from him,” said Pacio.
In the co-main event, Eduard Folayang will start his road to redemption against Mongolian opponent Amarsanaa Tsogookhuu.
Geje Eustaquio will face Toni Tauru in a much-awaited rematch.
