Pagara battles Thai Eausampan tonight, vows payback for Banal loss last month

MAASIN City, Southern Leyte— Blue chip prospect “Prince” Albert Pagara (13W-0L, 9 KOs) of the ALA gym and his opponent Tawanrung Eausampan of Thailand sized each other up during yesterday’s pre-fight press conference and official weigh-in at the Maasin City Bus Terminal Center for tonight’s Maasin Pride IV card.

“I am inviting every one to watch this fight. This fight will serve as payback for AJ Banal’s loss last month in Manila,” said Pagara referring to his stablemate’s loss at the hands of Thailand’s Pungluang Sor Singyu for the vacant WBO world bantamweight title last October at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“I will not promise a knockout. It comes with timing and opportunity. I will study his style at first but if he opens up, I’ll finish him inside three rounds,” the unbeaten Pagara (13W-0L, 9 KOs) said.

“This will be the first time I will fight a Filpino,” Eausampan (5W-0L, 2 KOs) said through his trainer and interpreter. “I know Pagara is good. I am prepared. This will be a good fight.”

“Both boxers are aggressive, so fans can expect a good fight,” ALA Gym trainer Peter Cuizon added.

During the official weigh-in supervised by Rolando Mendoza of GAB-Cebu, Pagara weighed 119 lbs while Eausampan stepped in at 118 lbs.

For the undercards, popular ring comedian Jojo “Flash” Intor weighed 122 lbs while his opponent Junel Busano was two pounds lighter. Jamjam Ungon and Takaomi Naoma of Japan both weighed 121 lbs while Bryan Lobitania and Michael Beron both came in at 118 lbs.

The Maasin Pride IV card will also feature local and ALA gym amateur standouts. Witnessing the event will be Albert’s brother and WBO international light-welterweight titlist Jason Pagara, who will receive a Special Award from the city government of Maasin headed by Mayor Maloney Samaco.

This marks the fourth appearance of Albert Pagara in Maasin. Last year, he knocked out Anthony Galigao, Rogen Flores and Henry Acha. /correspondent Rene Bonsubre Jr.