THERE is no denying that Jason Pagara is currently the best Filipino at light welterweight. He is ranked fourth in the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and is just a few steps away from a shot at the coveted gold.
But despite the young Filipino prospects impressive credentials, Mexican Aaron ?La Joya? Herrera believes he is mediocre.
?I?ve seen videos of Pagara and there is nothing to be excited about it. I know how to handle Pagara,? Herrera said yesterday in a press conference at the Formo Restaurant and Lounge. ?I came here prepared and a hundred percent conditioned to win the title from Pagara.?
Pagara (30-2, 19 KOs) is defending his WBO International light welterweight strap against Herrera (25-1, 17 KOs) in the main event of Pinoy Pride XX ? ?Laban kung Laban? boxing show this Saturday night at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino.
With the recent loss of now-retired Rey ?Boom-Boom? Bautista to Mexican Jose ?Negro? Ramirez last month in Davao City, Pagara vowed to avenge that loss by punishing Ramirez?s compatriot Herrera.
But Herrera is unfazed by Pagara?s threat.
?Good luck because I came here prepared,? he said.
Despite a sixth month layoff, Herrera says that he had a good training camp in Yucatan, in which he has sparred with unbeaten Mexican prospect Miguel Berchelt.
?I came here to win by knockout or decision. No matter what happens I?m going to win,? said Herrera, who said that he has power in both hands.
Herrera has knocked out two of his last three opponents in the first round. He has six career first round knockouts, while 16 of his 17 total knockouts didn?t go past the fourth round. He has fought and beaten the likes of former world title contender Zaid Zavaleta and Joksan Hernandez.
Unbeaten Genesis Servania (19-0, 7 KOs) takes on Indonesian Isack Junior (20-3-2, 8 KOs) in a 10-rounder, while former world title challenger Jimrex Jaca (37-6-3, 21 KOs) trades leathers with Mexican Jose Emilio Perea (22-2, 14 KOs) for the vacant WBO Oriental light welterweight belt in the two other featured bouts.
