Filipino boxing star Albert "Prince" Pagara is set to make a highly anticipated return to the ring on March 7, 2026, as he takes on the undefeated Australia-based British fighter Billy Polkinghorn in an eight-round bout. The match will be held at the prestigious Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre in Perth, Australia, marking a significant international showdown for both athletes.
Pagara's Career at a Critical Juncture
Now 31 years old, Pagara finds himself at a pivotal moment in his professional boxing journey. With time being of the essence, he is expected to leverage his remaining peak years in the sport to secure major victories and potentially vie for world titles. A former standout from the ALA Boxing Gym, Pagara was once heralded as a future star in Philippine boxing, having been groomed for success from an early age.
Rise and Challenges in Pagara's Journey
Pagara began his professional career in 2011, embarking on an impressive streak by winning 26 consecutive fights and capturing two regional championship belts. His momentum, however, faced a major test in 2016 when he fought tough former world title challenger Cesar Juarez in the United States. Unfortunately, Pagara suffered his first career defeat via an eighth-round knockout in that bout.
Despite this setback, Pagara demonstrated resilience by winning his next nine fights. However, he encountered another hurdle last year with a third-round stoppage loss to Bakhodur Usmonov in Tajikistan. Recently, he has bounced back with two straight knockout victories in Thailand against opponents Butsakon Mungchueklang and Nithit Sangasang, both in four-round matches, showcasing his determination to reclaim his winning form.
Polkinghorn's Amateur Pedigree and Pro Success
On the other side of the ring, Billy Polkinghorn brings a formidable amateur background to this matchup. With close to 200 bouts in the amateur ranks, he has built a solid foundation of experience and skill. Polkinghorn transitioned to the professional circuit in 2022, making a strong debut with a third-round stoppage victory over Broby Martin in Australia.
Recent Form and Preparation
After taking a 20-month layoff to refocus on his amateur career, Polkinghorn returned to professional boxing in 2024, securing three consecutive wins. He took another brief hiatus in 2025 but came back with a convincing unanimous decision win over Filipino fighter Jomar Paliwen on January 16, 2026, in Australia, proving his readiness for this upcoming challenge.
Statistical Breakdown and Fight Outlook
Pagara boasts an impressive professional record of 37 wins and 2 losses, with 26 of those victories coming by way of knockout. In contrast, the 29-year-old Polkinghorn holds an undefeated record of 5 wins and 0 losses, including two knockouts. This clash represents a classic matchup between Pagara's veteran experience and Polkinghorn's rising potential, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive bout in Perth.
As both fighters prepare for this crucial encounter, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Pagara's seasoned prowess will fare against Polkinghorn's unbeaten streak, making it a must-watch event in the boxing calendar for 2026.
