Pagara siblings take key step to bigger bouts

The Punching power and ring savvy of brothers Jason and Albert Pagara will be measured when they battle Mexicans in Pinoy Pride 26 at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino on June 21.

Touted as world champion-materials, the Pagaras will headline the fight card jointly undertaken by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports.

Already battle-scarred at 21 years old, Jason (33-win, 2-loss with 20 knockouts) tangles with knockout artist Mario Meraz (20-3, 16 KOs) for the World Boxing Organization international light welterweight title.

The 20-year-old Albert (unbeaten after 20 fights with 14 KOs), on the other hand, battles flashy Hugo Partida (21-4-2 with 16 KOs) for the vacant International Boxing Federation junior featherweight crown.

The brothers, who revealed that they have Chinese blood on their father side, said they have sparred for over 100 rounds, have studied video tapes of their opponents and are “100 percent” ready to do battle.

The 5-foot-8 Jason, who turned pro at 14, and the 5-6 Albert, also unbeaten as an amateur with 10 Palaro gold medals to his credit, have been promised more international exposure if they beat the Mexicans convincingly.

Albert, with a blond-streak of hair at the middle and wearing earrings, said he’ll try to claim Partida as his fourth straight KO victim if the opportunity arises.

The Pagaras, accompanied by trainer Edmund Villamor and ALA vice president Dennis Canete, showed up for a mini-press conference yesterday.

According to Canete, ALA president Michael Aldeguer will send Jason to San Diego, California, for more training if he conquers Meraz, who started his pro career with 12 straight KO victories.

“This is a high-profile fight for him (Jason),”  Canete said. “It’s very important for him to step up.”