Montoya vows KO win in rematch with Pagara

CEBU, Philippines - Rosbel Montoya is primed and ready to reaffirm his mastery over Jason “El Nino” Pagara, so confident that the Mexican fighter even vowed to pull off a decisive win over the ALA Boxing Gym stalwart when they clash anew for the WBO International light welterweight title in the main event of the “Pinoy Pride XV:Philippines vs. Mexico-The Rematch” on August 18 at the Pacific grand ballroom of Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

During their first meeting on September 10 last year also at the plush hotel, Montoya (36-4-1, 30KOs) clearly outclassed Pagara (28-2, 17KOs) on the way to well-deserved unanimous victory.

Montoya is thankful to ALA Promotions for giving him the opportunity to prove that his previous win over Pagara was no fluke.

And he will do it in a more impressive manner.

“Hello to the Philippines! I am very thankful to ALA Promotions for bringing me back to the beautiful Philippines. I am excited for the rematch,” said Pagara.

“Thanks again to ALA Promotions for allowing this fight to happen, and the boxing fans in the world and Philippines will see me win once again. There have been two Mexicans that won in the Philippines, Fernado Montiel and myself. The judges in the first fight were very good and honest and giving me the clean victory. This time it will be the same, but I will win by knockout,” he added.

Montoya admitted that his return bout with Pagara would be much harder, but he doesn't think much about it knowing that he done his homework well.

“Pagara is one of the toughest fighters I ever fought. After a couple of rounds with Pagara, I figured out his style and I stayed with it,” said Montoya.

“This rematch will be harder because Pagara does not want to lose in his hometown. I know he will train harder and be ready that is why I am training hard for this fight. I have two brothers that are boxers also, and we are always training. My father was in my corner the first fight, and he will be there again. My prediction for his fight, I will win by knockout.”

In the supporting main event of the slambang sho co-presented by ABS-CBN Sports, the unbeaten ALA rising star Genesis “Azukal” Servania (18-0, 7KOs) will take on Jorge “El Feroz” Pazos ( 20-3, 13KOs) for the the WBO Asia-Pacific super bantamweight crown.

The blockbuster card also marks the ring comeback of former two-division OPBF champion Jimrex “The Executioner” Jaca (34-6-3, 19KOs) against Angel “Arcangel” Martinez (13-2-1, 9KOs). 

The rest of the bouts feature Mark Vincent Bernaldez vs. Joash Aprericio; Juren Labordo vs. Powell Balaba; Jojo Intor vs. Peter Aldrin; and JP Artieda vs. Hector Rojoca. (FREEMAN)