PAGARA IS READY TO RUMBLE AGAINST ANTOINE
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 18 Oct 2012
Everything is all set for the WBO international lightwelterweight championship during the Pinoy Pride XVII at the SM Mall of Asia on October 20, 2012. Jason Pagara is ready to rumble against undefeated Miguel Antoine of Barbados.
Pagara is now rated No. 7 by the World Boxing Organization in the whole world aside from being its international champion. His confidence was boosted when he stopped his tormentor the tough Mexican Rosbel Montoya in a rematch.
With a pro record of 29-2-0 with 18 KO?s, Pagara has fought a total of 179 rounds with a knockout rate of 58.06%. On the other hand, Antoine has a record of 17-0-1 with 9 KO?s and 50% KO rate in 82 rounds boxed.
The Caribbean champion is also positive of victory and even aiming at a fight with Manny Pacquiao. Nicknamed ?Hands of Stone? like the legendary Roberto Duran, it remains to be seen though if he could follow the Panamian?s exploits.
I visited Jason in one of his training sessions at the ALA Gym in Nasipit, Banilad, Cebu City before they departed for Manila. He was in deep serious preparation for the fight dubbed as ?Philippines versus The World.?
Antonio L. Aldeguer, the ALA Gym Founder and Cebu?s boxing patriarch, said Jason?s career is on the rise. It was proven during the recent victory at the Waterfront Hotel. ?But he should always work hard because it?s the parallel to success,? stressed Aldeguer.
Pagara is now in the National Capital Region together with AJ ?Bazooka? Banal, Rey ?Boom Boom? Bautista, Michael ?Bruce Lee? Domingo, Marlon ?Nightmare? Tapales, and the rest of the entourage. All five of them will fight foreign rivals in the first championship fight at The Arena.
?Jason is very much prepared to face his opponent and has been practicing religiously to give honor to the country,? said trainer Edito Villamor through a phone call from Manila. When asked about Pagara?s chances against the undefeated Caribbean champion, Villamor added, ?He has a great chance of winning and retaining his WBO international title.
Albert Pagara said his brother would give all his best for our country. ?Jason trained hard for this bout and he knows his future in boxing is at stake.? It was Jason who inspired Albert to follow him at the ALA gym.
If he hurdles his Barbadian foe, Pagara will have a chance to train in the United States under Robert Garcia, the trainer of WBO and Ring superbantamweight champion Nonito Donaire. This is the incentive that ALA Promotions CEO Michael Aldeguer will be preparing for ?El Ni?o? for a successful WBO international title defense.
His father Reynaldo Pagara is now employed at the Maasin City Hall as a trainer of amateur boxers alongside regular coach Ramil Entia. The elder Pagara said, ?Jason will win against his fight against his foreign challenger in Manila. But he should not be over confident because his rival is undefeated.?
Photo: Jason Pagara (R) poses with the author.
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