VETERAN boxing trainer Edmund Villamor is optimistic that once world-rated Albert Pagara can overcome his out-of-the-ring problem and make a resurgence of his boxing career.
“I told him, Bert, all problems have a solution and you have to face it. I told him to focus because he still has a bright future. I told him not to pay attention to social media because it doesn’t do any good to you. Focus on your training. Show everyone that you can come back, and prove that you still have a lot left in you,” Villamor told SunStar Cebu.
The 27-year-old Pagara returns to his roots, training with Villamor, who was one of his coaches at the now defunct ALA Gym. Pagara started training at the Villamor Brothers Gym on October 6, 2021 for his ring return possibly in December.
“Maybe I’ll be fighting in December,” Pagara confirmed.
Pagara suffered a huge setback after getting arrested for alleged sexual harassment on a minor in September.
Villamor said if ever the fight will be in Dubai, Pagara got the nod from his lawyer that he’ll be able to fly outside of the country.
“He’s focused on his training. He already talked with his attorney and said that he can fly out of the country if the fight is abroad,” said Villamor.
After the closure of ALA Promotions in 2020, Pagara along with the other ALA Boys became free agents. He inked a promotional pact with D4G Promotions and MTK Global along with four-division world champion Donnie Nietes.
Villamor, who also trains Nietes, believes that Pagara will be good to go by December.
“I haven’t talked with his manager, but maybe he’ll fight in December,” he said. “Yes, he’ll be ready by that time. We still have lots of time to train.”
Pagara is one of ALA Gym’s most promising prospects. He started out his career, winning 26 straight fights from 2011 to 2016. He also won the World Boxing Organization Inter-Continental and International Boxing Federation Inter-Continental super bantamweight titles.
Pagara suffered his first career roadblock after losing via an eighth round knockout in the hands of tough Mexican Cesar Juarez in 2016 in San Mateo, California.
He bounced back by winning seven straight fights. His last outing was on December 18, 2020, when he beat Virgil Puton by unanimous decision in Mandaue City.
Pagara has a career record of 33 wins and a loss with 23 wins by way of knockout.