Hindi nagpakita ng takot ang Nicaraguan bantamweight champion na si Yesner “Cuajadita” Talavera sa kanyang pagdayo sa Pilipinas para makaduwelo ang walang talong si “Prince” Albert Pagara sa kanilang 10-round bout sa ‘Pinoy Pride’ 35: Stars of the Future sa Pebrero 27 sa Waterfront Hotel and Casino sa Lahug, Cebu City.
“I’m motivated and I took this challenge thinking that I wonder. My opponent is very tough, but for this we are to fight the best,” pahayag ni Talavera sa kanyang mensahe na ipinarating sa organizer.
Sa ulat ng PhilBoxing.com, hindi inalintana ni Talavera (15-3-1, 4 knockouts) ang kanyang underdog status sa pakikipagsalpukan kay Pagara. Siya ang reigning 118 lbs. Nicaraguan champion subalit maghaharap sila ni Pagara sa 122 lbs. class para sa International Boxing Federation (IBF) Intercontinental at World Boxing Organization (WBO) Youth titles.
Inamin ng Nicaraguan star na mahirap talunin si Pagara, ngunit handa siyang makipagsabayan dito.
Galing si Pagara sa imresibong 6th round TKO win kontra William “Chirizo” Gonzalez noong Oktubre sa StubHub Center sa Carson City, California.
“He took the challenge of facing the Filipino thinking that might surprise him, but harsh and cruel reality says the chances of a victory are minimal. Pagara is an undefeated fighter of 25 wins, 18 by knockout, who aims to become the next Filipino world champion. He is far superior to all unique, faster, more punchy, more technical and experienced resources,” ayon sa ulat. (Gilbert Espeña)