Albert Pagara steps up level of competition

There were pretenders and over-hypes. Those were fighters that look good in the early going of their careers, because they're well-promoted.

I'm very excited to know that Albert Pagara (26-0, 18 KOs) demanded his handlers to get Cesar Juarez of Mexico in the opposite corner when he climbs back into the ring on 9th July 2016, at the San Mateo Event Center, in San Mateo, California.

Cesar Juarez

Cesar Juarez (17-5, 13 KOs) is a tough opponent who gave Nonito Donaire the fight of his life. Tasted the deck twice in Round 4, he came with all might in the final two rounds of their 12-round title match in December 2015 at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Donaire survived the most dangerous championship round of his career and won a hard-earned decision.

Pagara, 22, facing Juarez next is a real step up in competition. A corrosive acid test of his career.

I really started to feel worried about how Pagara was being matched earlier. I felt that two or three nights ago, he should have fought opponents of the same caliber as Juarez. At this point of his career, he should have stepped up already with regards to the quality of opponents.

Pagara is still young, but another young prospect Mark Magsayo gets past world title challenger Chris Avalos in his 14th pro fight. With 26 fights, Pagara is still not able to face a Chris Avalos caliber fighter.

Now is the time

Enough has been established. Pagara has power in both hands. He can slug it out or box around if he needed to. He has the patience of a veteran and sound offensive/defensive skills. But there were still questions that remain unanswered. How Pagara handles things if he's fighting with adversity? Can he absorb clean shots from a puncher? Can he maintain calmness and composure from the pressure and roughhousing tactics of an opponent?

Facing Juarez, Pagara will be forced to answer these questions outside his home turf. And then, we can find out what are his chances to the elites of the 122-pound division. As a boxing fan, I'm happy for Pagara. I'm excited about this fight!