PINOY PRIDE 44 FEATURES PAGARA BROTHERS IN MAASIN CITY
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 25 Apr 2018
The 44th edition of the globally-known Pinoy Pride professional boxing series will take place in Maasin City, Southern Leyte on June 9th at the Maasin City Gym. Organized by ALA Boxing Promotions and to be shown on television over ABS-CBN, the encounter will headline the comebacking Prince Albert Pagara, who was born in Maasin, together with his elder brother Jason.
The Pagara brothers who were once the fastest rising stars of the famed ALA stable found themselves on a slide. The younger Pagara (29-1-0, 20 KOs) suffered a very shocking sixth round knockout loss to Cesar Juarez of Mexico, his first defeat as a boxer, both as an amateur and as a pro.
The vacant WBO intercontinental junior featherweight title will be at stake when Albert battles Laryea Gabriel Odoi of Ghana. That was the very same belt that slipped from Albert when he was KO'd by Juarez. In case he wins in Maasin, he is determined to seek revenge against the same Mexican who floored him.
The 27-year-old Odoi (20-3-2, 14 KOs) lost his first two pro fights to compatriors Isaac Nettey and Isaac Owusu. He also lost to Martin Ward of Britain in 2013 for the Commonwealth British Empire bantamweight title in a match held in Newcastle, UK by unanimous decision, his only fight outside of Ghana.
Albert Pagara has learned a hard lesson in his setback at San Mateo, California two years ago. He hopes to get his winning ways a hundred percent through proper training, conditioning and self-discipline. The 24-year old fighter said he won't let personal problems affect his preparations and his fight proper.
In the co-feature, Jeo Santisima (15-2-0, 13KOs) of Masbate will exchange blows with Likit Chane (16-5-0, 10KOs) of Thailand for the vacant WBO Oriental junior featherweight title.
Jason, on the other hand, seeks to recover back from his humiliating loss by a technical knockout to Japan's Hiroki Okada last December. Jason Pagara (40-3-1, 25KOs) will clash with Geilsler Ap (12-10-1, 9KOs) of Indonesia.
Once the WBO No. 1 welterweight contender, he disappeared from the world rankings due to inactivity. The elder Pagara wants to redeem himself from his shortcomings, given one more chance in Pinoy Pride 44.
The Pagara brothers learned the basics of boxing through their father Reynaldo in Barangay Lib-og and fought their first amateur fights at the then uncovered Maasin City Gym while they were yet in their elementary days. Then they would accompany their mother Sabrina Herogalem sell fish and sea foods in the market.
They migrated to Cagayan de Oro and developed their amateur skills under then Governor now Mayor Oscar Moreno. They turned pro and joined the ALA Boxing Gym.
Albert has fought in Maasin City five times against Skak Max of Indonesia (3rd rd. TKO), Komgrich Nantapech of Thailand (2nd rd. TKO), Henry Acha (3rd rd. KO), Rogen Flores (4th rd. TKO) and Anthony Galigao (1st rd. KO).
While Jason fought only once in Maasin and won over Indonesia's Rusmin Kie Raha by 7th round KO.
Photo: Albert Pagara (L) and Jason Pagara (R) with the author.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
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