‘Prince’ Albert out to dazzle hometown fans in Maasin

CEBU, Philippines — 'Prince' Albert Pagara, once considered as one of the country’s brightest world title hopefuls, now carries a heavy load on his shoulders as he takes centerstage in the main event of ‘Pinoy Pride 44’  on June 9 in his hometown Maasin City.

The 24-year-old Pagara (29-1, 20KOs) will try to prove that he has still what it takes to do another run at a world championship as he takes on Laryea Gabriel Odoi (20-3, 14KOs) of Ghana for the vacant WBO Intercontinental super bantamweight title.

“I am aware how crucial this fight is for my career. I want to show that I am back stronger and smarter than before,” said the ALA Boxing Gym star. “This will be a memorable one for me especially that I will be fighting in front of my hometown in Maasin. Losing is not an option for me.”

Pagara said he has moved on after suffering the most painful defeat of his budding career against Mexican Cesar Juarez. Pagara’s dream of getting a crack at the world title crumbles after a devastating eighth round knockout loss to Juarez two years ago at the San Mateo Event Center in San Mateo, California.

After that, Pagara went on a three-fight winning streak capped with a second round knockout of Tanzanian Mohammed Kambuluta last November 25 in Tagbilaran City.

“This is a great chance for me. I want to win the vacant regional title because that will surely help me in returning to the world title picture,” said Pagara, who is currently ranked No. 12 by the WBO.

ALA chief trainer Edito Villamor, for his part, said that they have big plans for Pagara including a rematch against Juarez.

“We are looking at a rematch against Juarez if gets pass this one. We are expecting to see a more mature and stronger Albert,” said Villamor.

In the supporting event of the slambang spectacle bankrolled by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports, power-hitting Jeo ‘Santino’ Santisima (15-2, 13KOs) gets his first shot at a regional title as he battles Likit Chane (16-5, 10KOs) of Thailand for the WBO Oriental junior featherweight belt.

In the other featured bout, Albert’s older brother and former No.1 contender Jason ‘El Niño’ Pagara (40-3, 25KOs) will also resurrect his career as he trade fistic bombs with Indonesian Geisler AP (12-10, 9KOs) in a 10-round non-title bout under the welterweight division. (FREEMAN)