Future ALA stars hold public workout today

CEBU, Philippines – Sinulog revelers will be treated to an action-packed show as ALA Boxing stars 'Prince' Albert Pagara, Mark 'Magnifico" Magsayo and Kevin Jake Cataraja will showcase their fistic skills in a public workout starting at 6 p.m. today at the Gaisano Countrymall carpark in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City.

The 21-year-old Pagara takes on Arjan Canillas, Magsayo faces Elmo 'Bisdak' Traya, while Cataraja is up against Christian Bacolod, all in two rounds of no-holds-barred sparring session that will surely thrill fans to the bones.

The event is part of their massive buildup as they take centerstage in the 35th edition of the highly-successful Pinoy Pride series billed as “Stars of the Future” on February 27 at the Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino in Barangay Lahug.

The undefeated super bantamweight prospect Pagara (25-0, 18KOs) was originally set to clash with former world champion Carlos Sanchez Jr., but ALA Promotions was forced to find a replacement as Sanchez had contractual problems with his handlers.

In his previous fight, Pagara snatched the WBO Youth 122-pound crown with a six round stopage of Nicaraguan William Gonzales during the historic Pinoy Pride event in the United States on October 17 last year at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

The 20-year-old Magsayo (12-0, 10KOs) will trade leathers with Mexican warrior Eduardo Montoya, while Cataraja, a former amateur standout now making his mark as pro, will slug it out with a still undetermined foe.

Like Pagara, Magsayo was also impressive in his US debut, pulling off a smashing first round knockout of the previously unbeaten Mexican Yardley Suarez to claim the IBF Youth featherweight title. (FREEMAN)