‘Prince’ Albert vows swift KO win

MAASIN CITY, Philippines — Fighting before his hometown fans, ALA Gym stalwart ‘Prince’ Albert Pagara (29-1, 20KOs) is extra motivated to put on a show as he vies for the vacant WBO Intercontinental junior featherweight title against Laryea Gabriel Odoi (20-3, 14KOs) of Ghana in the main event of the 'Pinoy Pride 44: Laban sa Leyte' fightcard tonight here in the Southern Leyte capital.

The 24-year-old Pagara is confident that he can score a swift knockout victory against Odoi.

“He challenged me if I can knock him out, then I’ll do it,” said Pagara, who tipped the scales at 122 lbs., two pounds heavier than Odoi. “This won’t last 12 rounds. I will be very careful against him because I haven’t seen his style, but I will get that KO win if the opportunity presents itself.”

Aside from giving his family and friends a reason to celebrate, Pagara is also hell bent on making an impression to prove that he is finally back to his old form.

Pagara believed that a win over Odoi will further cement his road to redemption after his painful defeat two years ago at the hands of Mexican Cesar Juarez who knocked him out in the eighth round.

“Thanks to my promoter, trainers and family, I have regained my focus in my boxing career and I am confident that I can get to my dream of finally fighting for the world title,” Pagara said. “I want to do it one fight at a time and from there I will see if I am ready for the title fight.”

In the supporting bout, rising ALA star Jeo ‘Santino’ Santisima (15-2, 13KOs) goes up against Likit Chane (16-5, 10KOs) of Thailand for the WBO Oriental junior featherweight championship.

Meanwhile, after coming up 12 pounds overweight, Albert’s older brother Jason ‘El Niño’ Pagara will still slug it out with Wellelm Reyk (19-17-4, 5KOs) of Indonesia in a 10-round non-title bout.

In the other featured matches, ‘King’ Arthur Villanueva (31-3, 17KOs) will trade blows with Renren Tesoro (16-12-3, 4KOs), while Melvin Jerusalem (12-2, 7KOs) will mix it up with Philip Luis Cuerdo (10-4, 4KOs).

In a special attraction, Fil-Japanese Go Hosaka will take on Holly Quinones of General Santos City.