Pinoy Pride 44: Southern Leyte Gears Up for Exciting WBO Battles Saturday Night in Maasin
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 07 Jun 2018
Boxing fans in Southern Leyte, Philippines, can't wait for Saturday night as two of their star boxers get into battle against dangerous foreign fighters in ALA Promotions' Pinoy Pride 44 in Maasin.
In a much awaited clash, hard-hitting Maasin native Albert Pagara (29-1, 20 KO's) risks his world-ranking by trading blows against tough African warrior Laryea Gabriel Odoi (20-3-2, 14 KO's) of Ghana for the vacant WBO Inter-Continental Super Bantamweight strap.
Stakes are high for this rumble as the winner gets closer a possible match against WBO 118-pounder world champ Isaac Dogboe (19-0, 13 KO's) of Ghana.
In another intriguing duel, the brother of Albert Pagara aims at bouncing back from a disappointing knock out lost last December in Japan by taking on Indonesian journeyman Wellem Reyk, a man who comes to Maasin in the Philippines with nothing to lose and so much to win.
Will former world-ranked Jason Pagara prove to his followers that he still has what its needed to compete at a world-class level in boxing? Or will the veteran Indonesian be another nightmarish James Onyango in the boxing career of Jason Pagara? At 29 year-of-age, "El Ni?o" can not afford more costly mistakes, and intrigued fans will be watching.
Another clash of civilizations will unfold when slick Filipino power-puncher Jeo Santisima (15-2, 13 KO's) exchanges heavy artillery against 26 year-old Likit Chane (aka Yodsingdaeng Jor Chaijinda) of Thailand for the vacant WBO Oriental Super Bantamweight belt. The winner most likely breaks into the WBO world-rankings in the 122 pound division. The question is: will it be Change or Santisima?
"Jeo Santisima is a knockout artist who puts fans in the edge of their seats. This is his first attempt at a regional title, which should be his springboard to bigger fights in the future, if he wins impressively," said Santisima's promoter Michael D. Aldeguer, CEO of ALA Sports Promotions in Cebu, Philippines.
Also in action is former world title challenger Arthur Villanueva (31-3, 17 KO's) trading blows with fellow Filipino Renren "Rainman" Tesorio in a 10-rounder in the bantamweight division.
Villanueva looks for a knock out win to re-invigorate his career at a crossroads after a rough loss last November to controversial Mexican former bantamweight world champion Luis "Pantera" Nery (26-0, 20 KO's) in Tijuana. Tough warrior Villanueva needs a clear, decisive victory Saturday night. For him at this stage in his fighting career, failure is not an option.
Three more non-stop action-fights complete Saturday's night boxing in Maasin, Southern Leyte in the Philippines, an exciting event that no fight fan in Southern Leyte can afford to miss.
Pinoy Pride 44 this Saturday (June 9) at Maasin City Gym in Maasin City, Southern Leyte in the Philippines is a production of ALA Sports Promotions International of Filipino promoter Michael D. Aldeguer in association with channel ABS-CBN Sports and Action.
Fights start at 6 PM.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Meinke-Vargas IBF Featherweight Female World Championship Set for 12 rounds?
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 10 Mar 2026Ruiz and Veloz Earn Dominant Wins on Opening Day of 2026 World Boxing Futures Cup
Tue, 10 Mar 2026Top Rank Signs Undefeated Lightweight Prospect Sammy Contreras
Tue, 10 Mar 2026153 swimmers safely complete Davao-Samal-Davao Cross Channel
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 10 Mar 2026Leading World Cruiserweight Contender Ryan ‘The Bruiser’ Rozicki returns from 15-month layoff with another overpowering KO
Mon, 09 Mar 2026Roca, Bernardino share top honors in Tea Block rapid chess tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 08 Mar 2026Fastpitch Softball on March 20-22 in Calinan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 08 Mar 2026Opetaia vs Glanton: Dana White Crowns First Boxing Champion. Is Fight Worthy?
By Chris Carlson, Sun, 08 Mar 2026In Thrilling Showdown, Pagara Falls Short Against Polkinghorn by Points.
Sun, 08 Mar 2026Unofficial Unification Tournament Brewing For Welterweights
By Ralph Rimpell, Sat, 07 Mar 2026Fight Results from Montreal: Steven Butler Obliterates Ramadan Hiseni; Wins by Lenar Perez, Jhon Orobio and Steve Claggett
By Eric Armit, Sat, 07 Mar 2026Former Champ Junior Makabu visits WBC offices in Mexico City
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 07 Mar 2026WEIGHTS FROM SYDNEY, NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA
Sat, 07 Mar 2026Weights from Atlantic City
Sat, 07 Mar 2026PFL Releases Francis Ngannou
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 07 Mar 2026