PRINCE ALBERT PAGARA FACES MASSIVE TEST AGAINST RAUL HIRALES
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 24 Oct 2014
Undefeated 20 year old Prince Albert Pagara faces a massive test when he defends his IBF Intercontinental super bantamweight title against battle tested veteran Raul Hirales of Mexico in ?Pinoy Pride XXVIII? at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu on November 15.
ALA gym?s head trainer Edito ?Ala? Villamor told the Manila Standard/Viva Sports that the 30 year old Hirales who has a record of 22-3-1 with 11 knockouts is ?a very strong fighter and is a world caliber opponent. It will be a big test for Prince Albert.?
However, Villamor said he believes the young Pagara will be ready.
He said Pagara ?is very determined and is training hard? for the fight and despite his impressive record ?is not over confident.?
Pagara along with WBO light flyweight champion Donnie Nietes who will make a voluntary defense of his title against another Mexican Carlos Velarde and former world flyweight title challenger Milan Melindo who moved down to light flyweight to take on Saul Juarez are all working with strength and conditioning coach Nick Curson.
The respected American said all the fighters he is working with are in fine shape and giving it their best in the rigorous regimen he puts them through.
Pagara is coming off a smashing 1st round TKO over Hugo Partida whom he dropped three times in the opening round before international referee Bruce McTavish called a halt at 1:18 of the round last June 21.
Hirales, on the other hand, lost his last bout against menacing Luis Melendez of Colombia, dropping a ten round decision in a clash for the vacant WBO/NABO super bantamweight title last August 16.
Melendez is the same fighter who ended the promising career of Z ?The Dream? Gorres in what was billed as a title eliminator which Gorres won handily but collapsed after the decision was announced and had to undergo emergency brain surgery, ending a career that had him on the verge of a title fight against Mexico?s Fernando ?Cochulito? Montiel.
Hirales also ended the career of Francisco Leal who was dropped in rounds 6 and 8 before being knocked out in the 8th round on October 19, 2013. Leal died three days later because of a brain injury.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Two (or Three) Lefts Make a Right: Francisco Guilledo to Luisito Espinosa
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Thu, 11 Sep 2025Yoseline Perez Advances to 2025 World Boxing Championships Semifinals
Thu, 11 Sep 2025UNIFIED WORLD CHAMPION OSCAR COLLAZO HOSTS MEDIA WORKOUT
Thu, 11 Sep 2025Jerwin Ancajas Set for IBF Mandatory Eliminator Against Former World Champ Ryosuke Nishida; Winner Fights Naoya Inoue
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 11 Sep 2025“Night of Champions” Returns to Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando on September 19
Thu, 11 Sep 2025Local Favorite Bryce Mills Tops First Boxing Card At del Lago Resort & Casino
Thu, 11 Sep 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaiman: It´s Fightweek Fight: Canelo vs. Crawford
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 10 Sep 2025Casimero comeback next month in Kyrgyzstan?
By Nick Giongco, Wed, 10 Sep 2025Team USA Concludes Day Six of 2025 World Boxing Championships
Wed, 10 Sep 2025Andrade, Garras rule Milo marathon in Tagum
Wed, 10 Sep 2025CROCKER-DONOVAN II: INSIDE LOOK AT FIRST FACE-OFF IN BELFAST
Wed, 10 Sep 2025Former Panamanian WBA champ Jorge Lujan hospitalized
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 10 Sep 2025Southern Sports Heroes Night on Sept. 28
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 10 Sep 2025ABAP feels WB’s growing pains
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 10 Sep 2025Laurente is new Philippine super featherweight champ
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 10 Sep 2025