The city government of Maasin welcomed World Boxing Organization junior welterweight champion Jason “El Ni?o” Pagara. The capital city of Southern Leyte where he first learned the basics of boxing gave him a plaque of appreciation and cash incentive for defeating Mexican Cesar “El Dolar” Chavez during the Pinoy Pride 29 in Davao City last week.
The occasion coincided with the Love Day of the city hall at the city gymnasium yesterday. Present were the city and national employees, businessmen, non-government organizations and some families. It was also the launching of the Adopt a Malnourished Child program of the city.
“I am from Maasin City from Barangay Lib-og,” declared Pagara when he spoke before the crowd. “Together with Albert we used to gather sea cocumber and shells at the shores of Lib-og and sold them.”
Pagara also attended the birthday celebration of Hon. Nikko Mercado, the Liga ng mga Barangay president of Southern Leyte and son of Gov. Roger Mercado. He was regarded as a celebrity where people of Maasin would always ask him to pose for a picture or selfie.
He said he was slated to train at the United States because he said he had no competent sparring partner at the ALA Gym because of his weight.
I advised him not to be in a hurry to be at the top. And I know his bosses at the ALA Boxing Gym knows what is best for him. His weight division is full of boxing superstars and rated skillful fighters.
This writer promised to him that the City of Maasin will always be behind in his endeavor to become a full pledged world champion some day.
