ALA readies big boxing splash next year

LAPU-LAPU City—Where Philippine boxing is headed to will partly be known in February next year.

That’s when ALA Promotions will again pit its brightest young talents against world-class foes through another Pinoy Pride offering in Cebu City.

Michael Aldeguer, president and CEO of the country’s premier boxing outfit, said “Prince” Albert Pagara, Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo and Kevin James Cataraja, all unbeaten and potential world beaters, will be pitted against worthy foreign opponents.

“We’re looking at the future of Philippine boxing—Albert and Magsayo and KJ. We’re looking at three of them in a big card here in Cebu,” Aldeguer told sportswriters here yesterday.

The 21-year-old Pagara (25-0, 18 knockouts) and the 20-year-old Magsayo (12-0, 10 knockouts) stopped their opponents in the sixth and first round, respectively, in Pinoy Pride 33 held in Carson, California, on Oct. 17 and are sure to headline the big event.

The stint of Cataraja, also 20 but only one fight as a pro, hinges upon his performance against Indonesian Faris Nenggo in Pinoy Pride 34 still going on at presstime last night.

Also on tap, according to Aldeguer, is another big fight card to be headlined by Donnie “Ahas” Nietes, the longest reigning Filipino world champion.

Aldeguer added that ALA Promotions will continue its United States invasion with four cards slated at Los Angeles, Carson, San Francisco and San Diego. Also scheduled is a fight card in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
LAPU-LAPU City—Where Philippine boxing is headed to will partly be known in February next year.

That’s when ALA Promotions will again pit its brightest young talents against world-class foes through another Pinoy Pride offering in Cebu City.

Michael Aldeguer, president and CEO of the country’s premier boxing outfit, said “Prince” Albert Pagara, Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo and Kevin James Cataraja, all unbeaten and potential world beaters, will be pitted against worthy foreign opponents.

“We’re looking at the future of Philippine boxing—Albert and Magsayo and KJ. We’re looking at three of them in a big card here in Cebu,” Aldeguer told sportswriters here yesterday.

The 21-year-old Pagara (25-0, 18 knockouts) and the 20-year-old Magsayo (12-0, 10 knockouts) stopped their opponents in the sixth and first round, respectively, in Pinoy Pride 33 held in Carson, California, on Oct. 17 and are sure to headline the big event.

The stint of Cataraja, also 20 but only one fight as a pro, hinges upon his performance against Indonesian Faris Nenggo in Pinoy Pride 34 still going on at presstime last night.

Also on tap, according to Aldeguer, is another big fight card to be headlined by Donnie “Ahas” Nietes, the longest reigning Filipino world champion.

Aldeguer added that ALA Promotions will continue its United States invasion with four cards slated at Los Angeles, Carson, San Francisco and San Diego. Also scheduled is a fight card in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.