LOOKING IN TOP SHAPE DURING PUBLIC WORK OUT: ALA PINOY PRIDE WARRIORS MAGSAYO, SANTISIMA, PAGARA READY FOR JULY 8 (PHOTOS)
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 25 Jun 2017
The three main ALA stars for Pinoy 41, Mark Magsayo, Jeo Santisima and Albert Pagara appeared in excellent form during their public work out on Saturday at SM City Cebu, the three looked focused and serious, fast began sweating profusely.
The double world-ranked Magasayo (WBO #3, WBC #12) meant business. "El Magnifico" appeared motivated for his coming WBO Int'l title defense against experienced Nicaraguan Daniel "El General" Diaz, a man who has been NABA champion as well as world title challenger, indeed a professional in the business of fighting who can not be taken lightly.
The first thing the trio did was a mandatory warm up, which was jumping the rope. Noticeably, Magsayo (16-0, 12 KO's) did it with enthusiasm and full commitment, obviously putting in his best effort.
Santisima and Pagara did their part as professionals very well, but most eyes were on the promising 22-year-old Magsayo whose dedication could be easily noticed.
Jeo Santisima, 21, will be battling undefeated young African warrior Goodluck Mrema (16-0, 8 KO's) of Tanzania, who will be fighting for the first time out of his home country, and fans can just imagine how bad this 22-year-old African boxer would love to get back home with a win in the Philippines, a win that would open the doors for him, including more recognition towards as a super bantamweight fighter.
That is precisely why on July 8 "Santino" Santisima must be really focused, ready to throw his punches fast and strong, and battle with confidence, confidence that comes from being in perfect physical shape with a winning game plan.
Importantly, even though Santisima (13-2, 11 KO's) can punch hard, at the same time he must be quick and skillful in his defense, never allow the hunger-for-glory Goodluck Mrema to gain dominance on the actions.
Santisima's fans have so much trust in him and in his skills and expect his hands up on the top of the ring of the IEC Convention Center in Mabolo.
However, in the mind of many Cebu boxing fans, Prince Albert Pagara has an easier opponent than the ones of Magsayo and Santisima.
That's because Pagara will face Thailander Aekkawee Kaewmanee who come from 5 defeats in his last six fights.
But fans should not be that harsh because Pagara - already a veteran of 28 fights - has had tough competition during the past years and in boxing you can not always battle big tigers.
But careful, because on the top of the ring there is no small enemy.
Mark 'Magnifico' Magsayo does his workout with intensity.
Some weeks ago Canelo Alvarez mentioned about this point in an interview on ESPN Deportes in Espanol. That happened during an interview prior to his last fight.
Canelo said that there could be boxers who in their record do not appear so tough and do not seem to have a big punching power.
However, a boxer without a big knock out record, if he gets you with a good solid hand in the right angle with the enough power, "te tumba!" which means the punch could send you down to the canvas.
The point of Canelo is that you have to be prepared for anyone, never underestimate any fighter, even those with losing records. And Canelo added "Because anything could happen. El boxeo es asi. Boxing is like this," the Mexican middleweight sad.
So Prince Albert Pagara: not because the Thai seem really so soft, you are going make the mistake to under-estimate him.
That would be a really horrible mistake. Cebu fans want to see Pagara winning. Make sure you give fans that satisfaction.
In addition to jumping the rope, doing tension with the big plastic ball, the three musketeers Magsayo, Santisima and Pagara made shadow boxing for the fans, they also jump on the cop of cones as high as kangaroos.
Moreover, they also got gloves on and practiced boxing punching routines with their head coaches and assistant trainers.
A very good crowd witnessed the ALA boxers doing their work out and fans in attendance surely enjoy the 30-minute intense session with the ALA stars, the new generation warriors.
In addition, ALA gave away some tickets to fans for Pinoy Pride in Mabolo EIC Convention Center on July 8 as many wonder what will in that ring.
Will Magasayo be caught by some big hands thrown at him by the experienced, tough Nicaraguan "El General... Or will it be "El Magnifico" Magsayo who will teach a supreme boxing lesson in speed and skills to the boxer born in the land of the great Alexis Arguello..??
Will Santisima be able to handle the Hunger-for-Glory undefeated young African named Goodluck (not a nickname, Goodluck is his name)... Or will Goodluck Mrema - who has decent punching power - send the punch of his life that will put Santisima to sleep on the canvas to shock Cebu..??
Will Prince Albert Pagara rock and knock out his Thai underdog opponent as his fans predict... Or will the Thai be able to achieve the unthinkable..??
Just like Canelo says, there is no small enemy on the top of the ring. Boxers have to be prepared and ready because there are no small enemies in boxing.
Present during the public work out were director Dong Secuya, the creator of PhilBoxing.com and pinoygreats.com, Sports Reporter Glendale Rosal of Cebu Daily News, ALA PR and Events Manager Ma'am Chelna Locaylocay, Photographer Lito Tecson of Cebu Daily News, ALA Coaches Edito and Edmund Villamor and assistant trainer former fighter Michael Domingo.
About the author: Carlos Costa of Panama is a boxing writer, photographer and reporter who is an admirer and lover of the sport of boxing since he was a kid. Carlos attends boxing fights all over the world, big and small, from amateur fights in Cuba to the mega events in Las Vegas and in the far flung afternoon fights in Thailand. He can be reached at +63(918)453-8152 and Carlos512@hotmail.com.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
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