Jason Pagara to battle KO artist from Ghana

CEBU, Philippines - Reigning WBO junior welterweight champion Jason ‘El Niño’ Pagara takes on Ghanaian knockout artist Richmond Djarbeng in the supporting main event of the 'Pinoy Pride 42: Clash for Glory’ set for September 16 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

The 29-year-old Pagara (40-0, 25KOs) is raring to get back at the ring after more than 10 months of layoff.

The Cagayan De Oro City-native fighter wants to capitalize on the opportunity as he tries to inch closer towards his dream of locking up a world title shot.

“I’m happy that ALA Promotions gave me a chance to fight again,” said Pagara. “I want to continue my quest to get that world title shot. My opponent has power but I think this fight is a great way to show that I am serious in achieving my goal.”

In his previous match, Pagara literally didn’t break a sweat in dispatching Mexican Jose Alfaro in the opening round last November 26 at the Cebu Coliseum.

This time though, Pagara is expected to face a tall order against a certified jaw-breaker.

Djarbeng posted 22KOs in his 28-3 record. He is on an eight-fight winning roll since losing by TKO to WBO welterweight champion Jeff Horn two years ago in Australia.

The slambang spectacle bankrolled by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports is topbilled by Milan ‘El Metodico’ Melindo, who will defend his belt IBF junior flyweight belt against IBO titleholder Hekkie ‘Hexecutioner’ Budler of South Africa in an exciting showdown of world champions.

In other featured bouts worth seeing for, former two-division world champion Johnriel 'Quadro Alas' Casimero will take on ALA pug Jonas ‘Zorro’ Sultan in an IBF junior bantamweight eliminator, while ‘King’ Arthur Villanueva will slug it out with three-time world title challenger Richie Mepranum. (FREEMAN)