MURCIA’S pride and longest reigning Filipino world champion Donnie Nietes (36-1-4 win-loss-draw, 21 KOs) will fly to the United States this week to prepare for his WBO light flyweight title defense against Mexican titlist Juan ?Pinky? Alejo (23-3 win-loss, 13 KOs) on October 17.
The event, ALA Promotion?s ?Pinoy Pride 33: Filipinos Contra Latinos,? will be held at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.
The 33-year-old Nietes, who has dominated his weight class for more than seven years, is looking forward for this moment.
Nietes, alongside veteran trainer Edmund Villamor, is currently undergoing interview at the US Embassy ahead of their trip.
The Negrense fighter said he has been in rigid training at the ALA gym in Cebu. ?The preparation is doing well. We have studied Alejo?s fights but we aren?t complacent with it. He?s also a good fighter. We should be ready,? he added.
Nietes fortified his image as one of the world?s most successful technical fighters after disappointing Mexican challenger and erstwhile unified titlist Francisco ?Chihuas? Rodriguez in their fight at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu last July.
Alejo is coming off a split decision victory over Jose Rivas scheduled for 10 rounds. He last registered a knockout win against Jose Guadalupe Martinez in the 11th round of their 12-round clash for Mexico?s vacant light flyweight title.
With Nietes in the US fight are celebrated Pagara brothers, Albert and Jason, and the rising ALA star Mark Magsayo.
