Pagara expects tough fight vs Mexican rival

MANILA, Philippines - For the first time in his career, “Prince” Albert Pagara faces a serious threat inside the ring, against a Mexican who pushed Nonito Donaire Jr. to the limit in a 12-round slugfest last December.

The 22-year-old Pagara left for San Francisco last night, with assistant trainer Michael Domingo, just a little less than two months before his fight with Cesar Juarez in San Mateo, California.

The fight takes place on July 9 at the San Mateo Event Center.

Pagara knows what he’s up to – the toughest fight of his life. He’s not leaving any stone unturned, aware that this fight could make break his chances of getting a crack at a world title.  

“Magaling na boxer (He’s a good boxer). Hindi puwede mag-kumpiyansa (I can’t be too confident),” Paraga, in a black blazer and his blonde hair, told reporters yesterday.

“Kaya naman (I can manage). Pero kailangan mag-ingat. May malakas din na suntok si Juarez (But I need to be careful. Juarez carries a punch),” he said.

The pride of the ALA boxing stable of Cebu puts his unbeaten record of 26-0 with 18 knockouts on the line against the stubborn Mexican, 17-5 with 15 knockouts.

The 24-year-old Juarez went down twice in the fourth round against Donaire. But he didn’t choose to roll over and die, and waged war until the final bell.

Donaire was in trouble in the later rounds and saved himself from defeat by landing straights and uppercuts, en route to a unamimous decision.

Even before the final bell rang, the Donaire-Juarez bout was already being hoisted as a potential Fight of the Year for 2015.

Pagara said he picked up lessons from Juarez’s fight with Donaire.

“Nakita ko yung style ni Donaire (I saw Donaire’s style). Yung uppercut. Sinabihan din ako ng papa ni Donaire na wag laruin ang laro ni Juarez (Donaire’s father told me not to fight Juarez’s style),” he said.

Pagara said he likes Juarez’s style.

“Mas maganda kalaban yung sumusuod kaysa yung takbo ng takbo (It’s better to fight a slugger than one who keeps running). Gusto ko siyang kalaban (I like this fight),” said Pagara.

“Para masaya ang mga manonood. Suntukan (So, the fans will be happy. It’s a slugfest),” said Pagara, his WBO belt (Inter-Continental junior featherweight) hanging from his shoulder.

Pagara will headline the first Pinoy Pride card, held in cooperation with ABS-CBN and TFC, in San Francisco. Dino Laurena of ABS-CBN said the card is still being finalized.

“This is the biggest test for Albert. We knew it would be a dangerous fight and a risk to his WBO number two ranking but again, like (Mark) Magsayo, we need to find out if he has what it takes to be a world champion,” said ALA president Michael Aldeguer from Cebu.

“Juarez gave Nonito Donaire one of the toughest fights in his career, so this should be another exciting fight. This will be a make or break fight for Albert,” added Aldeguer.

Pagara will train at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles under Domingo before his head trainers, Edmond and Edito Villamor, joins him after the Donnnie Nietes fight set in Bacolod on May 28.

Pagara said he will work on his stamina, speed and footwork.

“Kailangan ng stamina (I need stamina),” said the good-looking boxer.

He must be bracing for a long, tough fight.