Make or break for Pagara: Defends WBO title vs. Mexican power-hitter in Pinoy Pride XX tonight

CEBU, Philippines - Jason ‘El Niño’ Pagara (25-1, 17KOs) faces a career defining moment as he defends his WBO International light welterweight champion title against Mexican challenger Aaron ‘Jewel’ Herrera (30-2, 19KOs) in the main event of "Pinoy Pride XX:Laban Kung Laban" tonight at the Pacific grand ballroom of Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

“This is a make or break fight for Jason Pagara),” said ALA Promotions President and CEO Michael Aldeguer. “He needs to do well in this fight to show that he is ready to go to another level. We know that Herrera is a very dangerous opponent and he is a threat in Pagara’s rising career but we need to do this to see if how far he has reached in terms of maturity and skills.”

Pagara also bears a tough task of delivering a decisive win for the Philippines following the spate of losses suffered by Filipino boxers such as Manny Pacquiao, Brian Viloria and Nonito Donaire to their Mexican rivals.

Above all, Pagara seeks vegeance for his friend and stablemate Rey Bautista, who was sent into retirement by Mexican Jose Ramirez last April 4 in Davao City.

“This is a very important fight for me because it's now my turn to give honor to our country," said the 22-year-old Pagara. "I don’t feel any pressure. I trained hard and I am confident that I will win, hopefully, by knockout.”

Pagara and Herrera both scaled in 139 lbs. during yesterday's official weigh-in at The Event Centre of SM City-Cebu.

Herrera, for his part, still showed much confidence by flexing his muscle and trying to taunt his Filipino opponent.

“There will be a knockout. I don’t know what round, but I can promise that there will be a knockout,” he said.

Pagara quickly brushed off the Mexican’s claim of a knockout victory, saying that if it's going to happen, that it would be Herrera who will be kissing the mat.

“Yes, I agree to what he (Herrera) said that there will be a knockout, but I can assure you that it would not be me,” Pagara said.

Two explosive bouts have been lined up prior to the Pagara-Herrera duel, featuring the unbeaten WBO Asia-Pacific super bantamweight champion Genesis ‘Azukal’ Servania and resurgent Jimrex “Executioner” Jaca.

The Macau-bound Servania (19-0, 7KOs) will defend his crown gainst Indonesian Isack Junior (20-3, 8KOs), while Jaca (37-6, 21KOs) vies for the vacant WBO Oriental light welterweight belt against Mexican Emilio ‘Gigante’ Perea (22-2, 14KOs).

The rest of the card features Tagbilaran City prospect Jessel Magsayo vs. Melton Sandal; Ralph Lulu vs. Junnie Salogaol; Ronald Servania vs. Andrew Palas; Elmo Traya vs. Jonie Villacrusis; Richard Barrios vs. Lauro Balweg; and Kazuma Ejiri vs Jonas Sultan. (FREEMAN)