Pagara, Servania gun for KO wins

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — With a world title shot looming in his horizon, Jason 'El Nino' Pagara (34-2, 21KOs) is aiming for no less than a knockout victory when he defends his WBO International junior welterweight title against Cesar 'El Dolar' Chavez (23-7, 11KOs) of Mexico in the main event of the 'Pinoy Pride 29: Fists of Fury’  tonight at the University of Southern Eastern Philippines gymnasium here.

The 25-year-old Pagara is cognizant of the fact that he is in a crucial fight of his career and that he is hard-pressed to make an impression to prove he's ready for the bigger stage.

"He (Chavez) said that there will be an upset, but it's not going to happen because I am ready to win by knockout," said Pagara, who tipped in the scales at 138 lbs, one pound lighter than his Mexican opponent. "If I can finish him in two rounds, then it would be good."

A win will surely boost Pagara's chances of getting a crack at the vacant WBO crown especially now that he's ranked No.4 by the WBO.

"I am ready anytime (for a world title fight) and I don't care who my oppont will be. I am here to prove that I am also a force to reckon with in this division," said the pride of Cagayan De Oro City.

For his part, ALA Promotions President and CEO Michael Aldeguer revealed that a victory will assure Pagara of a fight in the United States this May in what will be their maiden Pinoy Pride show in the lucrative US boxing market.

"He needs to win this one because he is in line for a fight in San Diego, California on May 23 and he will be on the main event," said Aldeguer.

"A fight in the US plus he will stay there for a training and from there, we will look into the possibility of a world title shot for Jason," he added.

In the equally-exciting supporting main event, another ALA world title hopeful in Genesis 'Azucal' Servania (25-0, 11KOs) also guns for a decisive win as he puts his WBO Intercontinental super bantamweight throne on the line against Luis 'Perla Negra' Hernandez (17-3, 9KOs).

"I am 100% ready and I want him to feel my power," said the Bacolod City-native boxer.

On the other hand, 'King' Arthur Villanueva (26-0, 14KOs) hopes to hurdle the toughest test of his career against former world champion Julio Cesar 'Pingo' Miranda (38-11, 29KOs) in a non-title bout scheduled for 10 rounds.

"I admire my opponent because he is a veteran fighter and a former world champion," said Villanueva. "But I am also inspired in beating him and to show what I can really do in my division."

In the undercards of the slambang card presented by ALA Promotions International in partnership with ABS-CBN Sports, rising star Mark 'Magnifico' Magsayo (9-0, KOs) will slug it out with the more experienced Sukkasem Kietyongyuth (13-3, 8KOs) of Thailand, while Arjan 'Spartan' Canillas (9-0-2, 7KOs) will trade leathers with Indonesian Stevi Ongen Ferdinandus (15-7, 8KOs). (FREEMAN)