Pagara brothers take centerstage in Dubai

DUBAI — With his future at stake, ‘Prince’ Albert Pagara (23-0, 16KOs) guns for no less than a flawless knockout win as he defends his IBF Intercontinental junior featherweight title against Mexican hard-puncher Jesus ‘Chito’ Rios (31-7, 25KOs) in the main event of the hotly-anticipated 'Pinoy Pride 32:Duel in Dubai 2" tonight at the Dubai World Trade Center here.

Rios, however, is no longer eligible to go after Pagara's belt for failing to make the regulatory 122-pound limit. During the official weigh-in, Rios was three pounds overweight and could only make it to 124 lbs. after being given two hours to shed off extra poundage.

Still, Pagara is ecstatic to put on a show in front of Filipino OFWs who will surely cheer for him in his first fight abroad.

“A knockout is my main goal, but I have to work for it and be patient because it will be dangerous if I lose focus on my defense against him (Rios),” said Albert in the event's press conference at Asiana Hotel's Boracay Entertainment Bar. “I know he will also look to bring me down that is why patience will be the key in my victory.”

“It will be awesome also because I will be fighting outside of the country for the first time at the same time having the support of my kababayans,” added Pagara.

More than defending his throne, ALA Promotions President and CEO Michael Aldeguer said a lot is at stake for Pagara in this fight. An impressive victory will surely put him in ALA Promotions' first ever fightcard in the United States this October at the Stubhub Center in Carson City, California.

"A lot is at stake for Albert for this one. Aside from a slot in the US fight card, a win will also boost his ranking as he nears for a dream world title shot," said Aldeguer. "He is young and we can say that he is the future (of Philippine boxing) so this is a very significant fight for him."

Truly it's not going to be an easy task for Pagara, with Rios vowing to do whatever it takes to emerge victorious.

"It's not going to be easy. I am also looking for a knockout and it will now matter which one of us will pull it off," said Rios. "He would not last for more than five rounds. I am more experienced and I will show that against my opponent."

If Rios does that, the title will remain vacant.

In the supporting main event, Albert’s older brother and junior welterweight contender Jason ‘El Niño’ Pagara (35-2, 22KOs) will showcase his punching skills against Mexico's Ramiro ‘Xixime’ Alcaraz (15-4, 9KOs) in a non-title tiff scheduled for 10 rounds.

"This is a special fight because I am fighting here in Dubai with my brother. I am fighting before him so I want to win first impressively so he can have an added inspiration when it's his turn in the ring," said Jason, who is also promised of a US tour of duty if he gets past Alcaraz.

"I am fighting in a non-title bout, but I am very excited to go inside the ring and deliver a knockout against the Mexican. I want to show to the fans what I have trained hard for in months," added Jason.

In the undercard of the surefire blockbuster show bankrolled by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports, former two-time regional champion Jimrex ‘Executioner’ Jaca (39-8, 22KOs) will slug it out with Pablo Lugo Montiel (21-5, 17KOs), while US-based Filipino boxer Larry Abarra (3-0, 2KOs) will mix it up with Indonesian Tony Arema (3-4, 6KOs).  (FREEMAN)