By Kevin Estrada
Reigning strawweight titlist Joshua Pacio and challenger Jarred Brooks have not yet fought inside the ONE Championship Circle, but the rivalry between the two have reached a fever pitch.
Ahead of their showdown on Saturday in the main event of ONE 164, their war of words became the highlight of Tuesday’s press conference at the Theatre in Solaire.
The Monkey God (19-2, 3-0 ONE) entered the stage in a chorus of jeers of boos and had doubled down on his promise to end the Passion’s three-year reign as world champion in the most savage way.
“I’m going to chop off the head of this Filipino and I’m going to take it back to the United States. Y’all laughing now, I promise you won’t be laughing after the fight,” he said.
Brooks later clarified there was no intent to hate the Filipinos in general.
“All my beef comes with that man [Pacio] and I’m getting the belt. I promise you that. You all can keep hating, it doesn’t matter. I’m getting the belt at the end of the day. You all know that. I’m getting it.”
In contrast to the brash and bash of the Detroit-based brawler Pacio (19-3, 11-3 ONE) appeared to the stage with a class of a champion, suited up and holding his belt.
The lone titleholder from Team Lakay had a few words to say as he is keen to retain his unbeaten home streak, having won six bouts at the MOA Arena, the last three of which came with the belt on the line.
“I’ve been undefeated here in my country, in the Philippines. And I plan to do that again this December 3rd.”
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