Albert Pagara
The Philippines has forever been one of Asia's top boxing countries. Since Pancho Villa stamped his name on the history books back in 1923 the country has been a conveyor belt of top fighters such as Ceferino Garcia, Gabriel "Flash" Elorde, Luisito Espinosa, Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire.
One man wanting his name to be added to that illustrious list of names is the highly promising "Prince" Albert Pagara (26-1, 18), a 20 year old who some are tipping as the next great Filipino fighter.
Despite being just 19 years old Pagara is seen as not only a promising young fighter but also as a highly accomplished and extremely experienced youngster. The perfect combination of youth and understanding.
Although we do often doubt amateur records the reported record of Pagara is nothing short of amazing. He certainly won 10 gold medals in various tournaments, which considering his age was impressive, though he also boasts, apparently, an unbeaten 400 fight amateur record. Of course we can't say for sure that that figure is correct it does seem like there is no one currently out their claiming they beat him in the unpaid ranks.
Of course Pagara's amateur record didn't come at the highest level, and he's claimed no medals on the world stage, though the experienced of 400 fights will have really helped round off what appears to have been genuinely natural talent. A natural talent that appears to have been shared with his older brother Jason Pagara, himself a fringe contender
One man wanting his name to be added to that illustrious list of names is the highly promising "Prince" Albert Pagara (26-1, 18), a 20 year old who some are tipping as the next great Filipino fighter.
Despite being just 19 years old Pagara is seen as not only a promising young fighter but also as a highly accomplished and extremely experienced youngster. The perfect combination of youth and understanding.
Although we do often doubt amateur records the reported record of Pagara is nothing short of amazing. He certainly won 10 gold medals in various tournaments, which considering his age was impressive, though he also boasts, apparently, an unbeaten 400 fight amateur record. Of course we can't say for sure that that figure is correct it does seem like there is no one currently out their claiming they beat him in the unpaid ranks.
Of course Pagara's amateur record didn't come at the highest level, and he's claimed no medals on the world stage, though the experienced of 400 fights will have really helped round off what appears to have been genuinely natural talent. A natural talent that appears to have been shared with his older brother Jason Pagara, himself a fringe contender
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Pagara made his debut back in 2011, just a month before his 18th birthday and stopped fellow debutant Sandy Cajil in the second round. It was obvious that the team behind Pagara knew not to rush him and it also seemed clear that he was still very much a developing young man.
Having debuted in January 2011 Pagara was kept active and would end the year with an impressive 9-0 (7) record. His body had started to fill out, as expected by many, and although he was still baby faced he was starting to slowly become a man. The success of his first year as a professional saw many proclaiming Pagara as the most promising youngster in the Philippines. Despite the hype the youngster kept level headed, almost as if taking his brother's loss in September 2011 to Rosbel Montoya a hint to keep his head down and work hard to avoid the same fate. Pagara kept the ball rolling in 2012, a year in which he notched up a quintet of victories to move to 14-0 (10). Although he was still being matched easily, as any young fighter tends to be, he was fighting more notable opposition including the highly experienced Marvin Tampus, who managed to take Pagara 10 rounds for the first time in the youngster's career. Through 2013 Pagara scored 4 more victories with only Jessie Tuyor and Gadwin Tubigon managing to see out the final bell with the promising Pagara. To kick off 2014 Pagara saw off Indonesia's Isack Junior inside a round, landing a devastating body shot that saw Junior left in absolute agony on the canvas. This bout was supposed to be a step up though proved to be little more than a highlight reel stoppage for Pagara who is on the verge of breaking in to the world rankings. He followed up the win over Junior by beating Skak Max and Hugo Partida also by stoppage. In Pagara's most impressive win to date he completely out boxed tough Mexican Raul Hirales as he continued to show real signs of development. The win over Hirales wasn't just a step up in class but also in terms of how he fought with the performance being described by some as a punch perfect performance where Pagara countered perfectly, threw amazing combinations and just dominated an experienced and tough foe whilst making it all look incredibly easy. Since beating Hirales Pagara has scooped three more stoppages. The first came against Rodolfo Hernandez, after Hernandez cited an injured hand for a 4th round retirement, the second came against Jesus Rios in a bout that lasted just 2 minutes in Dubai whilst the third was a 6th round KO win against William Gonzalez on Pagara's US debut last October. In February 2016 Pagara scored a one sided win over Yesner Talavera to extend his perfect record to 26-0 however in his 27th bout the Filipino took a major step up, facing Cesar Juarez who took the best blows from the Filipino before eventually wearing Pagara down and stopping him in the early moments of round 8 to give the youngster his first defeat. Although currently an "uncrowned" prince, Pagara has the real potential to be a superstar of Filipino boxing. Guided by Antonio Aldeguer and promotional powerhouse ALA Promotions it's fair to say that Pagara has not only got one of the best promoters in the sport behind him but also has the chance to appear on the massive "Pinoy Pride" cards. It'll be on the "Pinoy Pride" shows, alongside the likes of Mark Magsayo that Pagara will likely carve out his career, though he has the genuine potential to make a name anywhere in the world. With years ahead of him, we don't expect Pagara to be rushed though when he does reach the top we expect to see him competing for titles from Bantamweight to Super Featherweight as he further matures into a full grown man. Video below is thanks to janilen and shows Pagara in action against Rogen Flores back in August 2011. |
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