‘The Crank’ takes on tough Japanese foe

Frank “The Crank” Camacho kicks off his 2015 campaign against Japan’s lightweight shooto champion Yusuke Kasuya in the Pacific Xtreme Combat 47 on March 13 at the University of Guam Feldhouse in Mangilao.

Frank “The Crank” Camacho aims for his fifth straight win when he goes up against Japan’s lightweight shooto champion Yusuke Kasuya in Pacific Xtreme Combat 47 set on March 13 at the University of Guam Fieldhouse in Mangilao. Camacho is fresh from scoring a submission win by arm-triangle choke against Korean Jae Woong Kim last December. (Jon Perez)

The Camacho-Kasuya bout is one of the four featured undercard fights of the Jang Yong Kim-Yusuke Kachi headliner.

The 25-year-old Guam-born fighter (15-2, with 11 wins by knockout) said he has prepared and trained hard against Kasuya (8-2, with 1 KO victory), who is a known scrappy fighter.

“I’m most excited about this PXC 47 fight in particular because my opponent, Kasuya, is a scrapper. From watching his previous fights, he’s a tough guy that finishes fights,” posted Camacho on his Facebook page.

“These are the opponents I look forward to. I fantasize about the hard-tough fights ahead. I truly get the full Fokai experience. Exhaust the body, proceed the mind, and cultivate the spirit.”

Camacho added that tough foes like Kasuya pushes and challenges him to further raise his game.

“Tough opponents like Yusuke force me to rise to the occasion and dig down deep for that extra push, that extra round, that extra punch during training, these are the things that make me a better martial artist,” said Camacho.

Camacho said he’s in great shape as he has not stopped training since scoring a first-round submission win over Jae Woong Kim by arm-triangle choke in Trench Warz 18: Rock and Rumble in his return bout on Saipan last Dec. 12.

“I’m in killer shape, weight in on point, zero injuries, and no more ring rust. This fight is very important for the goals I’ve set for 2015,” added Camacho, who is aiming to someday compete and represent the Marianas in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

“For generations our people have been fighting. It runs through our veins. To save our land, preserve our culture, and our daily life struggles. That’s what I fight for. I’m on a mission to show the world where these islands in the Pacific are.”

He thanked his family, fans, and his girlfriend, Sarah (Filush), for all the love and support they’ve shown throughout the years.

“Thank you to my hometown CNMI fans. On March 13th, I’m not competing alone; I have my island behind me. For all that love and support, thank you. Thank you all very much for believing in me and supporting me through everything.”