'Bakbakan sa Balamban' tonight

CEBU, Philippines - Undefeated ALA fighter “Prince” Albert Pagara will face former two-time regional champion Marvin “Bato” Tampus in the main event of the “Bakbakan sa Balamban” tonight at the Mayor Esperanza Binghay Memorial Complex in the bustling southern Cebu town of Balamban.

 It will be a showdown of pugilists from Leyte. Pagara was born in Maasin City, Southern Leyte, while Tampus grew up in Bato, Leyte. Pagara’s mother is the former Sabrina Sotto Gerogalem of Brgy. Lib-og in Maasin and their barangay captain Walter Casepe is Albert’s uncle.

This will be Pagara’s fourth bout this year. His most recent win was a convincing unanimous decision over Alvin Makiling last August 18 on the undercard of the "Pinoy Pride XV" at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino. Pagara is unscathed in a dozen with nine wins coming by way of knockout.

Tampus, on the other hand, grabbed the Pan-Asia Boxing Association light flyweight crown with seventh round stoppage of Deeden Kengkarun of Thailand on May 23, 2002 in Bangkok. He defeated the same boxer in a rematch on November 6, 2002 by same 7th round KO.

Tampus prevailed over Kaichon Sor Vorapin of Thailand by an 8th round KO at the Ormoc City Superdome on September 6, 2003. Tampus floored Vorapin in the third and fourth round before knocking him out in the eighth canto. He lost his PABA title to Indonesian Vicky Tahumil of Indonesia in Jakarta via unanimous decision on April 13, 2004.

Since then, Tampus lost in all title bouts he engaged in like the fights for the WBC Asian Boxing Council superflyweight title, Philippine super flyweight title, OPBF superfly weight title, WBC International Silver flyweight title, WBO Asia Pacific Youth bantamweight title, and WBO Oriental super bantamweight title.

In his last ring appearance on March 3 in Tagbilaran City, Tampus was knocked out in the first round by Michael “Sunday Punch” Domingo.

Tampus was a protege of the former Orient Pacific Boxing Federation champion Socrates Batoto of Bato, Leyte. During their time, the Batoto Stable produced several fine prospects in professional boxing.

An added attraction during the Balamban event will be an exhibition bout between ALA light welterweight boxers Jason “El Niño” Pagara and Jimrex “Executioner” Jaca.  (FREEMAN)