Albert Pagara discharged from hospital after knockout loss

MANILA, Philippines – Albert Pagara is doing well following a scary knockout loss to Cesar Juarez on Saturday, July 9 (Sunday Manila time) at the San Mateo Event Center in San Mateo, California.

The 22-year-old junior featherweight prospect from Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines scored a knockdown in round one but found himself overwhelmed by the durable Mexican’s pressure. Juarez turned the tables in round 8 with a 4-punch combination which put Pagara down for the count. Pagara attempted to rise but fell to his knees before slumping face-first.  

Pagara (26-1, 18 knockouts) was taken from the ring on a stretcher to Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto, California, where he was discharged after all tests, including a CT scan, came back negative, according to a statement from promoter ALA Promotions. Pagara was advised to avoid contact sports for two weeks but was given the green light to fly back to the Philippines with the team on Monday. 

“It is unfortunate that Albert Pagara suffered his first career loss tonight,” said ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer. “But on a positive note, we’re very grateful with the crowd turnout.”

(FULL REPORT: Albert Pagara suffers first loss, gets stopped by Cesar Juarez in 8)

An estimated 2,300 patrons turned out for the Cebu-based company’s second event in the United States, with Albert Pagara’s older brother Jason Pagara (39-2, 24 KOs) providing the only bright spot for the Philippines on the card when he scored a third-round knockout of Abraham Alvarez. 

The fight was Pagara’s first significant step-up as Juarez (18-5, 14 KOs) had proven himself to be a serious contender after pushing Nonito Donaire Jr to the limit last December in a decision loss for the vacant World Boxing Organization junior featherweight title. 

Pagara is scheduled to arrive in the Philippines on Wednesday, July 13. – Rappler.com