Domingo, Pagara, bounce back, score knockout victories

TAGBILARAN City, Bohol—After suffering defeats in their previous fights, two of ALA Boxing Gym’s promising boxers Michael “Bruce Lee” Domingo and Jason “El Niño” Pagara managed to redeem themselves with convincing victories in the undercard of the Pinoy Pride XII: Bakbakan sa Bohol Saturday night at the Carlos P. Garcia Sports Complex here.

Domingo came back strong inside the ring after his bitter loss to former WBA interim super flyweight champion Drian Francisco last year in Manila by knocking out the battle-hardened Marvin “Leyte Bomber” Tampus.

Domingo floored Tampus at the 1:28 mark of the first round. Tampus grimaced in pain after he was hit by Domingo’s body shot.

Domingo improved his record to 43 wins (22 knockouts), 16 losses and 2 draws while Tampus dropped to 27 (18)-14-2.

“Lipay kaayo ko kay nakabangon nako sa akong kapildihan last year, “said Domingo. “Maningkamot lang ko ron nga madayon ni among dula ni Joseph Agbeko.”

Domingo bared his plan to fight Agbeko for the vacant IBO bantamweight title in Ghana, South Africa this coming May 26.

For ALA Promotions CEO and President Michael Aldeguer, Domingo’s performance was good.

“Domingo was given a lot of chances. He is in the twilight of his career and he understands that if you really want something, you have to really go after it. Even if he showed he is really focused against Tampus, he still needs to be more aggressive,” said Aldeguer.

The fight against Agbeko will serve as Domingo’s second time fighting in South Africa after he fought and lost to South African Vusi Malinga for the IBF bantamweight eliminator.

Meanwhile, Pagara’s most awaited rematch against his tormentor, Rosbel “Lobito” Montoya is just within his reach after he won convincingly against Indonesian Franz Yarangga by a way of knockout.

Pagara knocked down Yarangga three times in two rounds.

“Sobra jud kayo ang kalipay akong gibati karon kay naka balik nako ug bangon,” said Pagara.  “Akong target jud sunod kay ang rematch namo ni Montoya. Maayo unta nga idayon na sa akong management.”