Q&A: “Prince” Albert Pagara

By Byron Spurlock
Photos: Josue Martinez

Fightnews.com® was able to catch up with unbeaten WBO #2, IBF #4, WBC #10 junior featherweight “Prince” Albert Pagara (26-0, 18 KOs) at the Undisputed Gym in San Mateo, California. “Prince” Albert is preparing to defend his WBO Inter-Continental against Cesar Juarez (17-5, 13 KOs) on Saturday night against at the San Mateo Event Center in San Mateo. Pargara-Juarez is headlining a card billed as PINOY PRIDE 37 “FISTS of the FUTURE” presented by ALA Promotions.

With the fight fast approaching, what has your camp been focusing on?

With the fight right around the corner, we have been focused on my weight for the coming fight and also my speed. The team knows that Cesar Juarez is not an easy opponent. He is a tough Mexican fighter and we aren’t taking him lightly.

Is this your first fight against a Mexican fighter?

No. I’ve had a few fights against Mexican fighters and they prove to be tough fighters.

Will this be the first Mexican fighter you have been up against in the United States?

Yes, so this will be interesting for we are closer to his country than mine.

With the fight in San Mateo, you might have a split crowd with half being Filipino and the other half Mexican. How are you prepared to deal with that?

I know that there could be a large Mexican crowd there for the fight. I’m not really too concerned about that. What’s important is that I stay focused on what’s inside the ring and on the match. I know that there will be a large group of Filipino supporters there for me so that’ll provide motivation for me.

Not looking past Cesar Juarez, but are there more fights for you in the United States and if so when?

If I win, I mean when I win, I’d like another fight right away, but it depends on the team management and promoter. The plan is to fight here more often in the United States for this the mecca of boxing in the world and the goal is to become a world champion.

With you being Filipino have you compared yourself to Manny Pacquiao?

I don’t compare myself to him because there’s never going to be another Manny Pacquiao. No one is ever going to surpass or achieve what he has done in boxing for the Philippines. So I don’t compare myself to Manny from the boxing standpoint. He is my inspiration and what keeps me motivated on what we as a people can become in this sport. There isn’t anything to compare for. I’m not even close to Manny. He has accomplished so much. I’m Prince Albert and he is Manny Pacquiao.