San Mateo, California: Filipino ‘Prince’ Albert Pagara was knocked out in the eighth round of a key bout by former title challenger Cesar Juarez at the San Mateo Event Center.
The hard-hitting Mexican handed the 22-year-old Maasin City boxer his first loss in the main event of Pinoy Pride 37: Fists of the Future early today.
Pagara was hit with a 3-punch combination at :15 of round 8 before falling into his own corner.
Pagara, who attempted to rise but fell back to his knees and was counted out, had earlier floored Juarez in the first round with a left hook but the Mexican weathered the storm to clinch Pagara’s WBO Intercontinental super bantamweight title by a vicious knockout, reported Inquirer.
Juarez reportedly landed three straight unanswered punches to open the eighth round and all found its intended target, sending Pagara to the canvas just inches away from his corner.
Pagara was too groggy to beat the referee’s count resulting in a stoppage at 15 seconds in the eighth round, the report said.
Pagara suffered his first loss on a 26 wins and 18 knockouts record while Juarez improved his record to 18 wins with 14 knockouts and five losses, the news portal pointed out.
Juarez is now looking for a rematch with Donaire.
