CEBU CITY ? With hundreds of amateurs and professionals vying for recognition from the churning sweatshop known as the ALA Gym, 17 year old flyweight Albert 'Prince' Pagara emerges as the next hot prospect to watch after he demolished veteran campaigner Lowie Bantigue in an impressive fashion Sunday night at the Gaisano Country Mall carpark ALA-Cobra Sinulog boxing event.
Pagara, younger brother of junior welterweight Jason Pagara, sent Bantigue to the canvas three times, once in each round, before Referee Teddy Alivio stopped the contest after the third knockdown at 25 seconds in the third round. What was more impressive in the young Pagara's win was Bantigue (21-17-7, 12KO and currently rated No. 7 by OPBF) has the reputation of a durable and hard to beat veteran. Bantigue recently blasted two young Japanese prospects in Japan and lost a close decision to Mexican FECOMBOX flyweight champion Victor Zaleta in Chihuahua, Mexico.
The undefeated Pagara's victory Sunday night was his 10th straight and 8th inside the distance for an impressive 80% KO percentage. Pagara had his professional debut exactly a year ago at the IT Park in Lahug, Cebu City together with debuting amateur standouts Roma Rate and Boysie Sultan. So far it was Pagara who made the greater impact although Rate and Sultan remained undefeated.
Albert Pagara (C) looks at the fallen Lowie Bantigue as Referee Teddy Alivio approaches to start the count.
Pagara victorious.
?We wanted to test him this early,? says ALA President Michael Aldeguer on Pagara. ?And he showed things that we wanted to see in him. Most likely he will be fighting for a regional title belt in his next fight, either for the OPBF or the WBO. We will also put him into a televised fight to expose him to the fans during the upcoming 'Pinoy Pride' series,? added Aldeguer.
Pagara also continues the tradition of Cebu's future boxing stars having their baptism of fire at the famed Gaisano Country Mall car park. Every year since it was first held in Jan., 2003, a boxing event is held here during the Sinulog night (every third Sunday of the January). Rey 'Boom-Boom' Bautista had his debut here in 2003 and fought a couple more times later. Two division world champion Donnie Nietes, AJ Banal, Z Gorres, Rodel Mayol, Randy Suico and others all fought here.
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