PAGARA BATTERS HIRALES TO RETAIN IBF INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 16 Nov 2014
The most applauded fight in the undercard of Pinoy Pride 28 ?History in the Making? was the supporting event featuring undefeated Pagara versus tough Mexican opponent Raul Hirales. It was considered by many as an acid test for the 20-year old ALA Gym sensation and he was able to hurdle it with flying colors last night at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Cebu City.
Pagara improved his fighting record to 22-0 with 15 KO wins and defended successfully his International Boxing Federation intercontinental superbantamweight crown by making a punching bag of Hirales who dipped to 22-4-1 with 11 KO wins. Prince Albert sent the Mexican to the canvas in the third unleashing several combinations to the head and body. But the Baja California Sur born visitor ably defended his body from further punishment as he coasted along not to lose by a knockout.
The Maasin City born local hero connected on all parts of the face and torso of the challenger but he just remained standing on his feet until the final bell. The Latin American fighter was cut in the eye by the powerful Pagara punches which The Prince kept targeting as the rounds go by. But a typical Mexican warrior that he was, Hirales covered from the stinging barrage and fought back to the delight of the crowd who was not bored of the title fight.
Pagara (R) connects with a right at Hirales.
Pagara downs Hirales in the 3rd round.
Pagara wins after a dominant performance.
Pagara received wild cheers from the fullhouse crowd while Hirales also got some adulation for putting up a good fight. Two judges scored all twelve rounds in favor of Pagara 120-107, while a third judge gave one round for Hirales at 119-108, enroute to a unanimous decision for the darling of the crowd Prince Albert.
?Hirales was really tough that I was not able to knock him out,? said the promising ALA Gym fighter. ?But I gave my all to satisfy my fans.?
I congratulated international referee Atty. Danrex Tapdasan for a good job acting as third man in the ring in the Pagara-Hirales title fight and he said he read my article in PhilBoxing.com prior to the fight to know Hirales well.
Pinoy Pride 28 was also a ?history in the making? for the young Pagara as it was the first time his fight went to full 12 rounds. His three previous fights that lasted 10 rounds were those against Gadwin Tubigon, Marvin Tampus, and Jessie Tuyor.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat is the new FIDE World Senior 65 over category Rapid Champion
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Thunderdome 48 - Jude Grant vs Fano Kori
Sun, 24 Nov 2024World Boxing backs plan to create a new Confederation in Asia
Sun, 24 Nov 2024The message is clear – Asian Boxing Confederation remains united with the IBA
Sun, 24 Nov 2024OSCAR DE LA HOYA FOUNDATION HOSTS 25TH ANNUAL TURKEY GIVEAWAY FOR EAST LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Life vs. Death: The Ultimate Ringside Showdown Immortalized in Pierce Egan’s Boxiana
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sat, 23 Nov 2024SPORTS SHORTS 284: TEAM MARK MAGSAYO CONFIRMS RETURN TO THE RING ON DECEMBER 14
By Maloney L. Samaco, Sat, 23 Nov 2024RJP Boxing promotes in Bucana on Dec. 17
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Good Prospects at Minimumweight, Light Fly, Super Bantam and Super Feather in 2025
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Filipino International Master Chito Danilo Garma is the new World Senior Blitz champion; Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat takes the bronze medal
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 23 Nov 2024KAMBOSOS JR SIGNS CO-PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM
Sat, 23 Nov 2024INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME TO ANNOUNCE CLASS OF 2025 ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5th
Sat, 23 Nov 2024Ring Master promotes in Calinan on Dec. 21
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024NP Bansalan boxing team in Matalam
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024New York, Minnesota Biggest Trade Gainers; Los Angeles Has the Rookie Draft Steal
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 22 Nov 2024