Jason Pagara’s brother gets first fight versus foreign foe

ALA Boxing Gym and Promotions has given 17-year-old Prince Albert Pagara a chance at proving himself in a bigger stage.

And the young boxer from Maasin, Southern Leyte, a last-minute replacement from Ilonggo prospect Arthur Villanueva, is ready for the challenge.

Pagara is set to face Shabani Madilu, who sports a 12-6-3 (win-loss-draw) record with 6 knockouts, in one of the undercard bouts of the Pinoy Pride 9 that pits Donnie Nietes against Ramon Garcia Hirales of Mexico at the University of Saint La Salle Stadium in Bacolod City.

“Grabe ko ka prepared ani nga away kay dako kayo ni nga opportunity gihatag sa ALA nako,” said Pagara.

This will be Pagara’s first foreign opponent, which means this will be his biggest bout so far.

Prince Albert is the younger brother of former WBO Asia Pacific Youth light welterweight champion Jason Pagara.

He recently won over fellow Filipino Rogen Flores in Maasin City via a fourth-round TKO. He has an unblemished record of 7-0 with six KOs.

“I know that Albert (Pagara) is already mature to face a tougher opponent and this is probably the chance for him to show everyone that he is prepared for bigger fights,” said ALA Boxing Promotions president and CEO Michael Aldeguer.

For veteran coach Edito Villamor, his ward is in tip-top shape to face Madilu.

“I believe that he can do it,” said Villamor.

Villanueva was replaced after he accidentally cut his middle finger during a meal.  CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL