Leyteño fan-favorite veteran "Prince" Albert Pagara (37-3, 26 KOs) is on the verge of a highly anticipated ring return, with a potential eight-round, non-title showdown slated for September 19 in Dubai, UAE.
The deal has not yet been officially signed, but sources close to his camp confirm negotiations are well underway.
The 32-year-old former ALA Boxing star remains focused and ready.
"I'm not sure who the opponent is. Maybe a boxer from Kazakhstan. Whoever he is, I am ready to smash his head," Pagara declared with his trademark confidence.
*PREPARATIONS & WEIGHT WATCH*
Pagara has been hard at work under the watchful eye of Coach Jomar Fajardo of Iloilo, sharpening his form and timing. The bout is targeted at the 142-pound (64.5 kg) limit — and as of today, the Maasin native tips the scales at 66.6 kg, leaving him with a manageable but serious weight cut ahead.
"I need to win this fight because I lost my last one last March in Australia," Pagara admitted — a clear sign of the hunger driving his comeback.
*DUBAI: FAMILIAR GROUND*
Should the event push through, it would mark Pagara's second professional fight in Dubai.
He previously fought there in 2015, scoring a quick stoppage victory over a Mexican opponent in an event promoted by the greatest Filipino boxing promoter in history, Don Antonio L. Aldeguer.
Pagara is also no stranger to the UAE, having served several times as a top sparring partner for reigning WBC interim lightweight titleholder Jadier Herrera (18-0, 16 KOs).
*THE ROAD AHEAD*
One of Philippine boxing's most exciting — and at times controversial — warriors, Pagara is eager to bounce back and remind the world that the "Prince" still has plenty left to give.
Will the fight be finalized? We will know soon enough.
Let’s hope it pushes through — and let’s wish Albert Pagara the very best of luck. Laban Pinoy!
Photos of Pagara with coach Jomar Fajardo and Carlos Costa were taken by Philboxing on September 12, 2026.
The author of this story is veteran boxing reporter Carlos Costa in Cebu 🇵🇭 Philippines — carlos@philboxing.com
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