Pagara: I'm not the underdog

CEBU, Philippines - Former WBO Asia Pacific Youth lightweight champion Jason ‘El Niño’ Pagara (28-2, 17KOs) doesn’t feel he is an underdog as he seeks swift revenge against former tormentor Rosbel ‘Lobo’ Montoya (36-4-1, 30KOs) of Mexico in the main event of “Pinoy Pride XV: Philippines vs. Mexico-The Rematch” this Saturday night at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

The 24-year-old Pagara, who was once considered as one of the future world title prospect of the ALA Gym before falling to the hands of Montoya via unanimous decision on September last year, promised to settle the score against the Mexican warrior.

Pagara and Montoya will fight for the vacant WBO International light welterweight title.

“I’m 100% ready to beat him,” said Pagara as he faced Montoya during the final press conference yesterday at the Café UNO in Waterfront Hotel.

“I really worked hard during my training so I can knock him out this Saturday. I really want a knockout win.

“He beat me by decision in our first fight but I think he must double his effort this time because I will do everything to beat him.”

ALA Boxing Gym trainer Joseph Baldago said that they made a huge change in Pagara’s fighting style so he could outlast his opponent.

He said that he believes that his ward will live up to expectations.

Montoya, on the other hand, believes that Pagara is still the same boxer he beat in their first fight and warned the Cagayan De Oro-native the bad consequences that he will get in asking for a rematch.

“This fight will be harder for him compared to the first time,” said the 27-year-old Montoya.

“This is a rematch but I think it’s still my experience that will be the greatest factor in this fight and Pagara is a boxer who has no defense.”

In the supporting bout of the slambang show presented by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports, unbeaten ALA rising star Genesis “Azukal” Servania (18-0, 7KOs) will take on Jorge “El Feroz” Pazos ( 21-3, 14KOs) for the WBO Asia-Pacific super bantamweight crown.

Former two-division OPBF champion Jimrex “The Executioner” Jaca (34-6-3, 19KOs) will make his comeback against the young, but dangerous Angel “Arcangel” Martinez (18-2-1, 13KOs). – THE FREEMAN