THE PAGARA brothers, Jason and Albert, are two of the boxers from the famed ALA Boxing Gym who are projected as future Filipino boxing stars.
Given the opportunity to co-headline their own boxing show, the promising siblings guarantee an impressive showcase of talent tomorrow night in Pinoy Pride 26 – “Fists of the Future” at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino.
“This is a very important fight for me. This is a very big fight. I promise that there will be a knockout,” assured Jason.
“I’m not scared. I have prepared hard for this fight and studied his style with my coach. I believe in myself and there will be a knockout,” said the unbeaten Albert, who will be fighting his first Mexican opponent and also his first regional title fight.
The 25-year-old Jason is defending his World Boxing Organization (WBO) International light welterweight belt against Mexican banger Mario “Rocky” Meraz, while Albert faces off with World Boxing Council (WBC) No. 13 rated bantamweight Hugo Partida.
Meraz, who was always calm and composed, is confident that he will dethrone Jason, and in the process break into the rankings of the WBO. Jason is rated fourth in the WBO light welterweight ratings, in which Chris Algieri is currently the champion.
“I’ve seen various videos of him. I see a strong rival with experience, but I came here prepared,” said Meraz, who is a sparring partner of three-division world champion Humberto Soto. “My advantage is my hunger to win and bring the belt back home.”
Partida, the reigning WBC Fecarbox super bantamweight champion, should also be a tough test for Albert and should prove if the 20-year-old amateur standout is the real deal or not.
“If there will be a knockout it will be in our favor. I’m a quality fighter and I’m strong,” said the 26-year-old Partida.