Prince Pagara pummels Thai foe

CEBU, Philippines - Prince Albert Pagara did not fail thousands of hometown fans by shattering visiting boxer Tawanrung Eausampan during the Maasin Pride IV at the Maasin City Gym the other night. A quick solid uppercut on his jaw made the previously undefeated Thai boxer fell like timber to the canvas.  Tawanrung was unconscious and referee Tony Pesons immediately stopped the fight at 1:45 of the second round.   

Pagara said he wanted to exact revenge for fellow ALA Gym boxer AJ Banal who was defeated by Eausampan’s countryman and stablemate Pungluang Sor Singyu for the WBO world bantamweight championship last October 20 at the SM Mall of Asia.  

At the full-packed venue in Maasin City last Thursday, the Prince damaged the Thai’s jawbone with a vicious fast uppercut which Eausampan was not able to see because of an injured eye. 

 The win improved Pagara’s clean record to 14-0 now spiked with 10KOs, while Eausampan suffered his first loss in six pro fights.  Pagara who is rated number two contender bantamweight contender in the Philippine GAB ratings is expected to rise to number one.  This writer promised to assist his quest for the Philippine bantamweight championship as the next bold step in the rising career of the Pride of Maasin City. 

 “I saw an opening so I immediately grabbed the opportunity to connect my punch,” said Pagara when interviewed by the Maasin Radio DYDM morning news.  “He was a tough boxer and I could not afford to be complacent in the fight.  I dedicate this win to the people of Maasin and to my parents.  I thank the city government especially the mayor for supporting me along the way.  I also thank Sir ALA (Antonio L. Aldeguer) for giving me the breaks.”

 His brother Jason Pagara was given a Special Award for winning the WBO international light welterweight title before the main event.  It was a reunion for the Pagara brothers, their parents and their siblings who were given special ringside seats by the city government.

 In the supporting bout, Jojo “Flash” Intor of Mabinay, Negros Occidental once again made the audience laugh using his ring comedy antics and winning against Junel “JB” Busano of Jagna, Bohol by TKO at 2:59 of the fourth round.              Japanese Takaoki Noma of Osaka also made the crowd enjoy his fight with Jamjam Ungon of Bantayan, Cebu and won by unanimous decision with all three judges scoring 39-37.

 Bryan Lobitania of Tagbilaran City floored Michael Berun of Jagna, Bohol for a TKO win 2:12 of the first round.

In the supporting amateur bouts involving Maasin City boxers versus Mandaue City boxers of the ALA Gym, the winners were Vicente Montecino, Christian Bacolod, Kit Ceron Garces, and Reymond Taruna of Mandaue-ALA and Daryl Ramos and Jason Entia of Maasin City Sports Council stable. (FREEMAN)