“Joshua’s striking is on a different level” - Eduard Folayang warns Jarred Brooks of Joshua Pacio’s stand-up game

Eduard Folayang believes his Team Lakay protege, Joshua Pacio, is on a whole different level ahead of his world title clash with Jarred Brooks at ONE 162. Having trained and sparred with Pacio for years, ‘Landslide’ knows first-hand how much his fellow countryman has leveled up since his last bout in September 2021.

Jarred ‘The Monkey God’ Brooks has spoken a lot of trash concerning Pacio’s skills. He’s bragged about finishing Pacio just as he defeated his Team Lakay teammate Lito Adiwang in his promotional debut last year.

Folayang, however, believes it would be foolish on Brooks’ part to underestimate Pacio’s power and striking prowess. The two-time lightweight world champion gave his reasons why to ONE Championship, saying:

“Joshua’s advantage in this fight is his drive. He’s really consistent in his training and he’s a relentless worker. Then there’s his exposure and experience. Joshua has faced the top of his weight class, every single one of his opponents are the best of the division and he’s beaten them all.”

Fans have seen the power and skill Pacio brings to every new fight. He’s defeated two former world champions to get to the top and he’s not even at his peak. According to Folayang, if Brooks wants to square up with Pacio in the stand-up department, he's in for a rude awakening.

Folayang added:

“When it comes to striking, Joshua obviously has the advantage over Jarred. Joshua’s striking is on a different level, and that’s something that Jarred should be aware of.”

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Joshua Pacio says he needs to win for his country

On December 3, ONE Championship will make their historic return to the Philippines two years after the pandemic struck the world.

The Filipino nation is excited to welcome their only world champion Joshua Pacio back to Manila since he defeated former strawweight king Alex Silva in January 2020. According to Joshua Pacio, being second best is not an option.

He’s conscious of the weight and responsibility to represent his country in the best way possible. Proud of his roots and humble beginnings, he hopes to maintain his status as a world champion to lift his people’s spirits and inspire them with the sport he loves.

Joshua Pacio previously told ONE Championship:

“Filipinos are everywhere, all over the world. Anywhere I fight, there will be Filipinos there. I am proud that I carry the flag of the Philippines. To represent the Philippines is an honour. I treat every fight as if it’s the last, so I really try to do my best. I need to win for my country, that’s what I keep in mind.”

Watch footage of ONE Championship’s top Filipino heroes below: