Pagara Takes on Mexican Sanchez in Pinoy Pride 35 in Cebu on Feb. 27

Unbeaten Albert Pagara takes on former world champion Mexican Juan Carlos Sanchez in the main event of Pinoy Pride 35 – “Stars of the Future” on Feb. 27 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino to prove he is ready for a shot at the world title.

“It should be a good test for Albert. He (Sanchez) fought Cesar Juarez for the No. 1 position,” ALA Promotions President Michael Aldeguer said.

“We don’t really know (if this is his toughest) but any former world champ is never easy, what more a Mexican,” Aldeguer said.

The 24-year-old Sanchez once held the International Boxing Federation (IBF) super flyweight crown and has beaten some notable names, the likes of current World Boxing Organization (WBO) and World Boxing Association (WBA) flyweight king Juan Francisco Estrada, and former world champions Rodrigo Guerrero, Juan Alberto Rosas and Rodel Mayol.

Sanchez split his fights this year, beating Luis Melendez by unanimous decision and losing to Cesar Juarez, who just fought Nonito Donaire Jr. for the vacant WBO super bantamweight belt, also by unanimous decision. He is 20-4-1 with nine knockouts.

“This is the biggest challenge of Albert’s boxing career. Sanchez is a good fighter. Albert needs to train really hard and focus on the game plan,” said ALA Gym head trainer Edito Villamor.

Pagara, 25-0 with 18 knockouts, had a very good year, making his US debut and beating all three of his opponents for 2015.

Pagara is coming off a sixth round knockout of William Gonzalez at the StubHub Center in Carson, California and, before that, stopped Jesus Rios in a round and Rodolfo Hernandez in four.

“Albert should be close to a world title shot,” said Aldeguer.

He is dead serious against Sanchez and won’t be taking a break for the holiday season.

“Our training is going really well. This week, we will be watching fight videos of Juan Carlos and study his weaknesses and make a game plan to apply in our training camp,” said Villamor.

Also in the blockbuster boxing show are unbeaten prospects Mark Magsayo and Kevin Jake Cataraja. (PNA) RMA/EB/MP/EDS