Meet Joshua “The Passion” Pacio: Young, Wild, and Slashing the Martial Arts World
At 22, Joshua Pacio is the kind of guy who still snaps his fingers when he yells “game on!” He’s full of pep, a ball of energy, and when you hear him talk, his grin is infectious. But what sets him apart from your typical teenager is not just that quick-witted, grin‑ready attitude—it’s the fact that he’s also a world‑class fighter.
ONE Championship: Where He’s Showcasing Some Serious Skills
Picture a gritty cage, a roaring crowd that reaches every corner of the globe (think 136 countries, 1.7 billion ears tuning in), and Pacio, throwing punches, kicks, and some unexpected flair. He’s been in the ring for five solid seasons, and those years have stockpiled 10 wins to just 2 losses. His record isn’t what you’d expect from a kid in high school; it’s the kind of stats that get medical insurance premiums through the roof!
- 5‑year experience in competitive fighting.
- Training under the renowned Team Lakay (Asia’s own “Powerhouse” gym).
- 10‑2 record – talk about a knockout streak.
- 1 title shot for the ONE Strawweight Championship – still chasing that gold.
Backstage to the ‘Mama’s Boy’ Moment
Now, let’s not undermine the dad vibes hidden between punches. Pacio’s heart beats a steady rhythm of family love. He’s often called the “mama’s boy,” and he takes his sweet role to heart. He jokes:
“I’m just a big kid at heart when it comes to my mother. She’s kept me on my toes because I owe her all my moves.”
She lifted him up and taught him, “No matter what life throws at you, trust the bigger picture. Keep your faith, hustle hard, and the universe will do the rest.” That’s straight wisdom from a woman who was raising a bulging 6‑year‑old.
His dad’s moved abroad to chase work, leaving our fighter’s mother to shoulder nearly all tasks on this open amount of responsibilities. That’s classic “single‑parent hustle fantasy.” Pacio’s next ambition? To secure enough success to give his family the best life possible. He says that the “fight” he fights on and off the mat is about more than just sweat— it’s about proving that if he stays disciplined and dedicated, everything else will follow.
Why Mom Doubted the Martial Arts Start
Hello, Mom! The first time he tried a martial art, she sighed, “I’m not sure this is for you.” It was just a regular childhood, he was eleven, started Muay Thai with his uncle, then swerved to wushu under Mark Sangiao – the one who founded Team Lakay.
At first, the girl didn’t see the FIGHTER inside that little boy. It was tough; one day some line at the gym made her question if she should let him keep that off‑hand training. In the end, the competitive results made Mom grin like the “I“‑Love “People with T-shirts” margins. She’s over the way Pacio was wrestling in bouts. Now she’s the queen of the victories and her man’s cheering coach.
Where’s He Going Next?
Pacio’s blowing the puck on an aggressive title run on the ups and downs. He’s steadily climbing the ladders of one championship, running toward an NFT champion ultimate. If you’ve been watching someone in the sport who mixes raw ambition with the supportive love of a family backing, you’ve got to keep an eye on this “Passion” as he walks across the next ring.
From a Reluctant Kid to ONE Champion: The Pacio Story
Mom’s Shift in Heart
When little Kenny first lassoed a mock‑roundclub for the first time, his mom was less thrilled than a cat sees a bath. “She thought he’d get hurt,” he recalls, “and babies’ big minds are all about protection.” But like an unstoppable puppy, Kenny kept paddling forward, carving out a path that would zig‑zag straight into the ring.
Once he hit the ∞‑level of international competition, the mom’s board flipped. “I suddenly realized it wasn’t just fighting; it was an art, a discipline, a ticket to stories she never imagined,” she said. “I was so proud I could feel it in my chest.”
ONE Championship: The Arena of Dreams
That newfound faith, combined with his bulldog work ethic, landed Kenny a contract with ONE Championship. From there, the journey opened: an upward slide that made him one of the world’s best straw‑weight fighters.
Key Fights That Shaped the Legend
- World Champion Showdown – At twenty‑one, he met Yoshitaka “Nobita” Naito. Kenny dominated the rapp… ing, jostling, and throwing, only to surrender not in humiliation, but a neat rear‑naked choke in round three.
- Spirited KO – He stunned veteran Roy Doliquez with a spinning backfist that landed like a thunderclap, leaving the crowd gasping.
- Upcoming Clash – The next target: China’s Lan Ming Qiang. Find him at the ONE: GLOBAL SUPERHEROES co‑main event on January 26, inside the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila.
His Mission Continues
Despite falling short against “Little Rock” Alex Silva, the fight sparks a fire that fuels his determination. “I learned a lot from my loss,” he says. “I think I’m wiser now and ready for another shot.”
Ready for the Next Title?
With his meteoric rise, his name has become synonymous with burning ambition. Each round, each bout—he’s sharpening skills like a chef honing his craft, ready to take the crown in the next fight. The future is bright, the arena, loud, and the world is waiting.
