Freddie Roach: Pagara may be a future champion

As the ALA team settles in San Francisco, Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach, who has always welcomed them in his gym at the Wild Card in LA, did not hesitate to claim how he sees Filipino prospect “Prince” Albert Pagara. “Albert is one of the best Filipino fighters in the world. I think he may be a future champion,” said Roach when asked to give a statement for Pagara’s tough upcoming test against Cesar Juarez of Mexico, who fought for the world title against Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire early December of last year, a “Fight of the Year” nominee.

Regarded as one of the top rising stars in Philippine Boxing, the undefeated Pagara is #2 in the WBO world rankings and is the current WBO Intercontinental jr. bantamweight champion.

After wins against Raul Hirales and William Gonzalez, Pagara is confident about claiming victory in what his promoter and ALA Promotions International President/CEO Michael Aldeguer considers to be the make-or-break fight of his young career. With the addition of Roach’s recent revelation, it looks like the young Pagara could be successful in proving his supporters right.

The fight will take place at the San Mateo Event Center on July 9, and is the second US edition of ALA Promotions International’s flagship program “Pinoy Pride.” It will be shown live internationally via The Filipino Channel (TFC) and in the Philippines via ABS-CBN Channel 2 and ABS-CBN Sports + Action.