ONE minute you?re at the top of the heap, and the next you are out of the picture.
That is the uncertainty boxers face every time they step into the ring.
Jason Pagara experienced that in 2011, when he was one of the hottest young prospects in the country at that time. His career was derailed and he was out of title contention following a unanimous decision loss to Rosbel Montoya here in Cebu.
The 21-year-old doesn’t want history to repeat itself in his upcoming fight this month because he is way too close to his dream of becoming a world champion.
?This fight is very important because his ranking in the world will be affected. He needs to be impressive in this fight because his opponent has a good record. That?s why Jason is so focused in his training right now,? ALA Gym head trainer Edito Villamor told Sun.Star Cebu.
Pagara is defending his World Boxing Organization (WBO) International light welterweight crown against Mexican Aaron Herrera in the main event of Pinoy Pride XX ? ?Laban kung Laban? at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino on May 25.
Pagara bounced back after his loss to Montoya with three straight impressive victories. He beat Frans Yaranga via a second round technical knockout, avenged his loss to Montoya via a sixth round stoppage and knocked out erstwhile unbeaten Miguel Antoine in the first round.
Pagara is currently ranked No. 3 in the WBO light welterweight, in which Juan Manuel Marquez is the titleholder while Mike Alvarado is the interim champion. Ranked above Pagara at No. 1 is Brandon Rios, while NABO champion Karim Mayfield is at No. 2.
Genesis Servania and one-time world title challenger Jimrex Jaca is also seeing action in the blockbuster boxing event.
The unbeaten Servania takes on Indonesian prospect Isaak Junior in 10-round bout, while Jaca is gunning for the vacant WBO Oriental light welterweight strap against Mexican Jose Emilio Perea.
