ALA prospect scores victory via TKO in 3rd

CEBU, Philippines - ALA Boxing Gym prospect ‘Prince’ Albert Pagara extended his winning streak to 10 after an impressive third round stoppage against journeyman Lowie Bantigue last night in the main event of ‘ALA-Cobra Tunay na Lakas Boksing’ Sunday at the Gaisano Country Mall carpark.

There is no question that Pagara will be one of the future boxing stars in the famed ALA Gym that has produced a number of top fighters like two-division world champion Donnie ‘Ahas’ Nietes, world title contender Milan ‘El Metodico’ Melindo, Rey ‘Boom Boom’ Bautista and AJ ‘Bazooka’ Banal to name a few.

 The 17-year-old super flyweight and former amateur standout Pagara pounced his opponent, pinned him to the ropes with vicious body shots dropping the Mandaluyong City boxer Bantigue to the canvass.

The veteran boxer managed to stand up after he was knock down for the second time, but Pagara was relentless in his attack forcing referee Teddy Alivio to halt the carnage at the final 25 seconds in the third round.

 “He showed things that we wanted to see in him. Most likely he will be fighting for a regional title belt in his next fight, either for the OPBF or the WBO. We will also put him into a televised fight to expose him to the fans during the upcoming 'Pinoy Pride' series,” said ALA president Michael Aldeguer in an interview with Philboxing.com.

 In the other bouts, Welbeth Loberanis won via unanimous decision against Jonathan Ricablanca, while Melvin Gumban stayed undefeated by outsmarting Joash Apericio.

 Also two young ALA fighters Roma Rate and Mark Vincent Bernaldez both scored a referee stoppage decision victory against Rowel Garcia and Roy Roy Sumugat. (FREEMAN)