Q&A: Jason “El Nino” Pagara

By Byron Spurlock
Photos: Josue Martinez

WBO #1 rated junior welterweight Jason “El Nino” Pagara (38-2, 23 KOs) took time to chat with Fightnews.com® as he prepares for his fight against Abraham “The Swift” Alvarez (21-9, 10 KOs) this coming Saturday at the San Mateo Event Center, San Mateo, CA.

The last time we talked was at the kickoff press conference and you seemed to be a person of very few words.

Yes (smiling).

Tell us more about Jason the person and boxer.

I don’t need to say a lot of words to explain what I want to do and what will happen on July 9th in San Mateo. There’s going to be a knockout and I’m going to win. I’m a simple person and between me and my brother (Albert), he talks a whole lot more than me (still smiling).

Do you feel that by not previously fighting a lot in the United States you need to impress the media with a good showing on July 9th?

I know that not a lot of fighters are given the opportunity to fight here in the United States from the Philippines, so I know I need to have a good showing and also win. I feel that since this is the second time in two years that I’ve fought here, I want to make a statement not just with United States fans, but also with people around the world that I deserve to be here as a good fighter.

Do you feel that you are still an up-and-coming fighter?

I do feel that I’m an up-and-coming fighter still, despite my record of 38-2, because not a lot of people know about me. That’s why it’s important for me to have a good showing.

When is the next time we can see Jason fight in the United States?

The first thing I need to get past my opponent for this fight. Then sometime soon, I’d like a title shot. I want to fight for a world championship and I’m not really getting any chances right now.

Are you at a point in your career that you cannot afford any more losses on your record in order to get that title shot?

There is no more room for losses this time since I’m trying to get a world title shot. My team knows this and that is why we are focused and determined. I want a world championship next and I’m always ready. I just need to be given a chance.