Pagara returns to ring versus Indon in PP XII

THE COMEBACKING Jason “El Niño” Pagara of the ALA Boxing Gym will face Indonesian Frans “Hands of Stone” Yarangga in the undercard of the upcoming Pinoy Pride XII: Bakbakan Sa Bohol slated March 3 in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

Yarangga, who sports a record of 10 wins (7 knockouts) and 1 loss, will be Pagara’s first opponent since losing to Mexican veteran Rosbel “Lobito” Montoya last year.

The 30-year-old Yarangga won his last three fights via knock-outs in Indonesia.

Yarangga won over fellow Indonesian Eddi Pio Pikareuw via a sixth round knockout to clinch the Indonesia Boxing Commission Interim lightweight title.

The main bout of the card will feature the much awaited return of IBF International featherweight champion Rey “Boom-boom” Bautista in his hometown. He faces Mexican Genaro “Poblanito” Garcia.

Both fighters are coming off impressive wins. Bautista ended Miguel Angel Mendoza’s 17-win streak last December while Garcia knocked out Genaro Camargo in the sixth round in his last fight.

Garcia has beaten IBF bantamweight and WBC super bantamweight champion Rafael Marquez and title contender Miguel Roman and has faced world champions Toshiaki Nishioka, Hozumi Hasegawa, Luis Alberto Perez and Wilfredo Vasquez, Jr.

Bautista is currently on his comeback trail after being hounded by injuries in the past two years.

The Boholano has racked up six wins, knocking out five of his last six opponents in less than seven rounds. Only one fight ended in a technical decision over former conqueror Heriberto Ruiz of Mexico.

Boom Boom is now in contention for the IBF featherweight world title as he is at no. 5 in his division.

Pinoy Pride XII will also feature Genesis “Azukal” Servania, who will be facing another veteran fighter in African Nick Otieno, Michael Domingo and a cast of promising boxers.

Tickets are available at the Tagbilaran City Square, Alona Kew White Beach, Islands Souvenirs Shops in Bohol and selected pharmacies in Bohol. Correspondent Dale Rosal