Pagara, Magsayo vow better showing in next fights

Despite having won their respective bouts, Pinoy Pride 35 headliners Albert Pagara and Mark Magsayo are not sugarcoating the fact that they were not satisfied with their performances and could have done better last week.

“Masaya ako na nanalo pero di impressive eh, kasi yung kalaban ko takbo ng takbo. Habol ako ng habol tapos ang gusto lang niya makaabot lang (hanggang dulo),” Magsayo said about his fight against Eduardo Montoya of Mexico.

Pagara shared the same sentiment after defending his WBO Intercontinental Junior Featherweight belt against Yasler Talavera in saying, “maganda naman yung binigay ko pero takbo ng takbo yung kalaban, hindi ko matamaan pero nagpursigi ako para maknockout ko.”

“Yung kalaban na ganyan na takbo-takbo, walang kwenta yan kasi hindi yan warrior; hindi yan boxing, parang dancing, parang Mayweather.”

With a combined number of 37 victories and 28 knockouts before Pinoy Pride 35, both “Prince” and “Magnifico” have a penchant for finishing fights. Instead, they found themselves chasing their opponents who had seemed disinterested in engaging with them throughout most of their fights.

Moving forward, both ALA standouts are eager to make up for their recent performances to give the fans the entertaining fights they deserve.

“Pagbubutihin ko pa ng maigi para mas maganda yung laban sa susunod kasi yung makakalaban ko, hindi basta-basta yun. Si Avalos,” the 20-year old Magsayo said, referring to Chris Avalos of the USA who’m he’ll be facing this April 23 at the Cebu City Sports Complex.

“Pagiigihan ko mabuti ang training at papakita ko sa kanila na kaya ko yun.”

As for Pagara, he’s eyeing a world title shot, but will let his bosses decide on his next fight.

“Sa susunod, gusto ko nang lumaban ng world title,” said Pagara, expressing his willingess to fight as early as next month’s card. “Number two contender ako sa world. Pray nalang ako ng mabuti, pray lang sa Panginoon na bigyan ng lakas. Hinihintay ko, kung ipila nila ako, ok lang sakin. Magtetrain lang ulit ako.”

“Para maibalik na masaya kayong manuod sa laban namin.”