After overhauling several humps and hitches, its green and go for the much awaited Pinoy Pride 35: Stars of the Future on February 27 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino in Lahug.
Michael P. Aldeguer, the CEO of ALA Promotions International revealed in a press briefing yesterday, the difficulties they encountered in putting up the card.
He said that soon after it was announced last November, the card encountered a temporary setback when former world champion Juan Carlos Sanchez who was to face the unbeaten WBO Intercontinental junior featherweight champion “Prince” Albert Pagara in the main event, backed out due to conflicts with the fight contract. He was replaced by Yesner “Cuajadita” Talavera of Nicaragua.
Aldeguer though is still negotiating with Zanfer Promotions of Mexico for the Pagara-Sanchez fight to push through in Pagara’s first main event fight in the U.S. on July (see separate story).
Aldeguer considers PP35 highly significant for the Filipino fighters in it especially since Manny Pacquiao is set for retirement and WBO world champion Donnie Nietes is not getting any younger.
“It’s a do or die situation for these young boxers. Some say it’s too early for them to fight big names but this is one way to find out if they are the real deal or not,” said Aldeguer in yesterday’s official launching of Pinoy Pride 35: Stars of the Future at the Saint Mark’s Hotel.
The card also had a minor hitch when they have to change the opponent of up-and-coming Kevin Jake “KJ” Cataraja who was supposed to fight Thai Chatpetch Por Pakdee. The Thai was replaced by Mexican Tony Rodriguez (4-1) for the eight-round undercard attraction.
READY TO RUMBLE
Meanwhile, the 22-year old Pagara (25-W, 18 KOs) said he is excited to face Talavera (15-3-1, 4KOs) in front of Cebuano boxing fans. The charismatic boxer said he trained well and is 100 percent ready.
“I don’t feel any pressure fighting in a main event because I am confident of the training I had,” said Pagara who is ranked No. 2 by the WBO. “For me I don’t pressure myself to knock him out. His style is very open and I like that because he is exposing himself to knockouts.”
Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo (12-0, 10KOs) for his part, told the press that he will do his best to Eduardo “Fierita” Montoya (13-4-1,13KOs) for the vacant WBO Youth Featherweight belt in the co-main event. “I am ready and I’ll do my best to knock him out,” said the Boholano slugger.
Cataraja meanwhile, said he needs to make crucial adjustments after Por Pakdee was replaced by Rodriguez less than a month before fight night. “There’s really a big adjustment that we are doing especially since I will be facing my first Mexican foe,” said Cataraja.
The stacked up fight card also features Elmo “Bisdak” Traya who will take on Romeo Jakosalem of Davao City (140lbs), Masbate City’s Jeo Santisima who will fight Marco Demecillo of Iligan City (123lbs) and former IBF minimum weight world champion Florante “Little Pacquiao” Condes against Melvin Jerusalem (106lbs) all for eight rounds.