Pagaras brothers make weight for ‘Pinoy Pride’ duel in Dubai

Albert Pagara and Jesus Rios (left) and Jason Pagara and Ramiro Alcaraz. Photo by Roy Luarca.

DUBAI, UAE—They’ve prepared long and hard. Now, the fighting Pagara brothers are ready to show their skill and mettle to the world.

“Prince” Albert and Jason bring their act out of the Philippines to this hot, bustling city of imposing structures Friday night (early Saturday in Manila) when they battle Mexicans in the featured bouts of Pinoy Pride 32: Duel in Dubai 2 at the World Trade Center here.

The younger Albert, 21, will stake his International Boxing Federation junior featherweight crown against veteran Jesus Rios while Jason, 23, will tangle with Ramiro Alcaraz in a 10-round clash set at a catch weight of 143 pounds.

Having hit peak form, the Pagaras easily made weight during Thursday’s official weigh-in held at the Boracay room of Asiana Hotel at 12:10 noon (4:10 p.m. in Manila).

Albert came in a tad lighter than the 122-pound limit at 121.4, but Rios surprisingly went way beyond at 125.8. He has two hours to make the weight, otherwise he’ll need to forfeit his bid for the title. Regardless, however, the 12-round headliner will push through.

Jason and Alcaraz both made weight on their first try, with the Filipino checking in at 142.4 and the Mexican a shade heavier at 142.6. CFC