Pagara vs. Bantigue on Jan. 15

CEBU, Philippines - Explosive ring action will take place as ALA super flyweight prospect Albert ‘Prince’ Pagara will take center stage against battle-tested veteran Lowie Bantigue in the main event of “Cobra Tunay na Lakas Boxing” card next Sunday at the Gaisano Country Mall carpark.

This will be Pagara’s first fight this year after a successful professional boxing debut in 2011, winning nine straight victories, seven by way of knockout.

The 17-year-old Pagara is best remembered in his appearance in the undercard of Pinoy Pride IX in Bacolod City where he scored a dominating unanimous decision win against tough Tanzanian Shabani Madilu.

 But the journeyman Bantigue will provide a threat for Pagara, as the 27-year-old fighter from Mandaluyong City is veteran with 44 fights that includes bouts against Filipino hard-hitters Richie Meparanum, Eden Sonsona, Marvin Sonsona and Rocky Fuentes.

 In his last fight, Bantigue failed to capture the interim Philippine super flyweight title against undefeated Marco Demecillo Singwangcha.

 In the supporting bout, Mandaue City boxer Welbeth Loberanis will slug it out with Jonathan Ricablanca, while undefeated Melvin Gumban will try to score another impressive victory against Anthony Galigao.

 On the other hand, another young ALA standout Roma Rate will clash against Rowel Garcia, Mark Vincent Bernaldez will take on Roy Sumugat and Juren Labordo will see action against Taos Basar.

 Completing the boxing card presented by ALA Promotions and Cobra Energy Drink is Rey Morales who will face Renante Suacasa. (FREEMAN)