Pinoy Pride XX Mexican ‘Jewel’ confident of seizing Pagara’s crown

CEBU, Philippines - Brimming with confidence, Mexican fighter Aaron ‘Jewel’ Herrera (25-1, 17KOs) said he has what it takes to dethrone WBO International light welterweight champion Jason ‘El Niño’ Pagara (30-2, 19KOs) in the main event of "Pinoy Pride XX:Laban Kung Laban" fightcard this Saturday night at the Pacific grand ballroom of Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Herrera said he traveled halfway through the globe for nothing and that he is all set to deliver a big win for Mexico against a topnotch Filipino boxer.

“I came here 100 percent sure that I am going to get that belt,” said Herrera in a press conference yesterday at Formo Restaurant and Lounge in Banilad Town Center (BTC). “I have been waiting my entire career for this chance and all I can say to him (Pagara) is goodluck.”

Herrera said he had heard about the recent victory of his countryman Jose Ramirez, who sent ALA Boxing Gym's Rey ‘Boom Boom’ Bautista into retirment last April 4 in Davao City, and he has no other thing in mind than to duplicate that with a win against Pagara.

“I had a long trip and I am going to show to Pagara what I am really made of,” said Herrera. “By knockout or by decision. it doesn’t matter. What matters most is that I am going to win against him and in front of his fans.”

The Mexican said he had seen tapes of Pagara’s fights and in no way he was impressed with the fighting style of the 22-year-old ring gladiator from Cagayan de Oro City.

“Yes, I have seen videos of him but honestly I have nothing to be excited about. I can handle him. As for me? I can only say that I have power in both of my hands.”

Meanwhile, the other protagonists of the slambang show co-presented by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports will face the media in another round of press conference today. They are Indonesia's top super flyweight contender Isack Junior and former Mexican WBC lightweight champion Jose Emilio Perea.

Junior (20-3-2, 8KOs) will take on the unbeaten WBO Asia-Pacific super bantamweight champion Genesis "Azukal" Servania (19-0, 7KOs), while Perea (22-2, 14KOs) will challenge reigning WBO Oriental light welterweight titlist Jimrex "The Executioner" Jaca (37-6-3, 21KOs) in the other must-see supporting bout.  (FREEMAN)