PRINCE ALBERT PAGARA HONORED BY MAASIN CITY GOVERNMENT
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 21 Dec 2014
International Boxing Federation intercontinental junior featherweight champion Albert Pagara, who won convincingly against resilient Mexican brawler Raul Hirales, was honored by the City Government of Maasin last Friday during the city employees' Christmas party at the City Gym.
The occasion was also attended by Southern Leyte Congressman Damian Mercado and Governor Roger Mercado. Hundreds of employees cheered Pagara as he received his plaque of appreciation, cash incentive and title belt and made his response.
"I'm really very happy for this honor which you have granted to me. I will treasure this award wherever I go," said the Prince. "I was born in Maasin and I will always remain a Maasinhon by heart and by deed."
The scheduled motorcade though was cancelled due to the rains brought by the low pressure area. But he was able to visit his relatives and friends at Barangay Lib-og where he was born.
Pagara said that Hirales was the toughest opponent he ever fought. Though he made the Mexican challenger a punching bag and sent him down in the third round, but the visitor was never out.
"I was hit by his hard blows and those were the heaviest fists I ever absorbed," said Pagara. "I had a terrible headache after the fight."
But his confrontation with the "killer boxer" was the best rumble in Pinoy Pride 28. It was shown on ABS -CBN before the Donnie Nietes title fight.
Albert said that his next fight will either be in Macau or in the United States. His next opponent will still be a Mexican but to be announced later.
He has started practicing right after the Hirales bout with just one week rest. ALA Gym fighters keep constant training even without scheduled fights.
He is now working with world renowned American strength and conditioning coach Nick Curson. ?I am just barely scratching the surface with Prince Albert and I know he has world champion potential," declared Curson.
It won't be too soon the boxing world would see this promising young fighter from ALA Gym climb the ring for a world title fight. And almost all Filipino boxing aficionado would say he is a Manny Pacquiao potential.
Photo L-R: Mayor Maloney Samaco, Gov. Roger Mercado, Albert Pagara and Cong. Damian Mercado.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
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