ALBERT Pagara, 22, suffered the first loss of his career yesterday, an eighth round knockout at the hands of tough Mexican warrior Cesar Juarez in the main event of Pinoy Pride 37 – ?Fists of the Future? at the San Mateo Events Center in San Mateo, California.
Though saddened by the shocking loss of his prized-student, Albert?s coach Edmund Villamor believes that this defeat is just a setback to set up a stronger comeback.
?We are sad because it?s back to the drawing board for us,? Villamor told Sun.Star Cebu. ?I know he will be back and will be a world champion like Manny (Pacquiao), who got knocked out and still became a world champion. There are always setbacks in boxing like this one, you will never know if the fight is for you.?
Albert dictated the fight early and immediately dropped Juarez with a counter left hook to the head in opening round. Juarez stood up but was still wobbly and was luckily saved by the bell.
Albert continued to land in the following rounds. However, as the rounds passed, Juarez got stronger. Juarez?s best round was in the sixth, in which he pinned Albert to the ropes and continued to land punches.
In the eighth round, Juarez caught Albert off-guard and quickly landed a nasty four-punch combination that dropped Albert to his corner. He tried to stand up but fell down face first on the canvas, motionless.
Albert was brought out of the venue by a stretcher and was rushed to the hospital. However, thankfully, he is out of danger.
This was Pagara?s first loss in 26 pro fights, dropping down to 26-1 with 18 knockouts, while the 24-year-old Juarez improved to 18-5 with 14 knockouts and raised his chances of a possible rematch with Nonito Donaire Jr.
Albert?s older brother, Jason Pagara (39-2, 24 KOs), however, demolished Abraham Alvarez (21-10-1, 10 KOs) in the 55 second mark of the third round.
