Albert, Jason out to keep ‘Brother Act’ fire burning

CEBU, Philippines - For the third time, celebrated brothers 'Prince' Albert (26-0, 18KOs) and Jason "El Niño" (38-2, 23KOs) Pagara will be fighting in one fightcard as they co-headline the second Pinoy Pride event of ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports in the United States nine days from now to be exact.

They never let their fans down every time they step inside the ring, delivering impressive victories one after the other to show to eveyone that being a great fighter truly runs in their blood.

They saw action for the first time altogether in the "Pinoy Pride 32:Duel in Dubai 2" on August 7 last year at the Dubai World Trade Center in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Albert scored a smashing first round knockout of Jesus Antonio Rios of Mexico to keep his IBF Intercontinental super bantamweight title, while his older brother Jason won by eight round technical decision over Mexican Ramiro Alcaraz in their  10-round junior welterweight encounter that was halted after a headbutt that bloodied Jason’s left eyelid.

The Maasin City-native Albert and Jason, born and raised in Cagayan de Oro City, brought their 'Brother Act' to a different level during ALA's ground-breaking Pinoy Pride show in the US, considered as the boxing mecca of the world, on October 17, 2015 at the StubHub Center in Cason City, California.

They both made an impression against Nicaraguan foes in their US debut.

The 22-year-old Albert pulled off a spectacular sixth round stoppage of William Gonzales to snare the vacant WBO 122-pound crown, while Jason, 27, floored Santos Benavides three times in the second round on the way to a resounding knockout victory.

After trading separate ways in their previous bouts, the Pagara siblings will once again take centerstage in the "Pinoy Pride 37:Fists of the Future" on July 9 (July 10 Philippine time) at the San Mateo Event Center in San Mateo California.

Albert will put his WBO regional belt as well as his undefeated record on the line against Mexican toughie Cesar Juarez, while Jason, the reigning WBO Youth International light welterweight titlist, will exchange blows with Mexico's Abraham 'The Swift' Alvarez (21-9-1, 10KOs) in a non-title bout scheduled for 10 rounds.

In what he considers a make-or-break fight for him, Albert vows to deliver a decisive win against Juarez,  who is best remembered by Pinoy gans for engaging in a brutal and bloody 12-round ring war, albeit for a losing cause, against five-division world champion Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire, Jr. in December last year in Puerto Rico.

Albert said his 'training is the key” and that his power and speed will be his advantage over the tough as nails Juarez.

 “I am aware how big this fight is and how the result will determine my boxing career," said Albert "But I am confident because of how my training has been. I am in deep rigorous training so I can deliver an impressive win and move forward to whatever is next for my career as a boxer.”

Jason, for his part, said  he is primed and ready to put on a show against Alvarez. He vows to capitalize on the opportunity as he tries to inch closer to his dream of locking up a world title shot.

With the future of their respective careers is at stake, that would be the best thing Albert and Jason should do, much more if they want to keep the fire of their 'Brother Act' burning.  (FREEMAN)