CEBU, Philippines - Albert “Prince†Pagara (14-0, 10KOs) of the ALA Stable hopes to keep his unbeaten record intact when he takes on Jilo Merlin (12-14, 2KOs) of La Trinidad, Benguet in the main event of the free-to-the-public Sinulog boxing extravaganza presented by ALA Promotions tonight at the Gaisano Countrymall carpark in Brgy.Banilad, this city.
From now on, it will be a crucial transition stage for the 18-year-old Pagara as he tries to elevate himself among the top guns of Cebu's world-renowned sweat shop.
“From now on, every fight is important for him (Pagara),†said ALA chief trainer Edito Villamor. “He needs three to four fights to prove that he is ready for a bigger stage like fighting one day in the main event of a Pinoy Pride card.â€
Albert, the younger brother of light welterweight star Jason “El Niño†Pagara, pulled of a masterful second round knockout of Thai Tawanrung Eausampan in his previous bout last November before his hometown fans in Maasin City.
“Albert is only 18 years old and I believe he will make it big in four year's time,†said Villamor. “But it all depends on his performance each time he climbs in the ring.â€
In the supporting bouts, Jerson ‘Smooth Operator’ Mancio (16-3, 7KOs) will slug it out with Gerpaul ‘Captain Hook’ Valero (13-13, 8KOs) of Flores Boxing Gym, while former two-time PABA champion Marvin ‘Bato’ Tampus (27-16, 18KOs) will go up against Jimmy Paypa (10-2, 3KOs) in another 10-rounder rumble.
The rest of the card features Rolando Servania vs. Joy Formenter; Ivor Lastrilla vs. Takaoki Noma of Japan; Richard Barrios vs. Jayvee Galia; Reymund Tabogon vs. Abel Gayhun; and Bryan Lobitania vs. Jamjam Ungon. (FREEMAN)