NEGRENSE Donnie Nietes, the longest reigning Filipino world champion, will defend his WBO light flyweight title against Mexican titlist Juan Alejo on October 17 in ?Pinoy Pride 33: Filipinos Contra Latinos? at the Stub Hub Center in Carson, California.
Nietes has a 36-1-4 win-loss-draw record with 21 KOs while Alejo has 23-3 win-loss slate with 13 Kos.
ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN?s first show in the US is a much-awaited moment for the 33-year-old Murcia-born and Bacolod pride who has dominated his weight class for more than seven years.
Nietes said he is very happy with this development.
?I was originally set to defend my title this November in Bacolod, but upon learning that I?m going to fight in the US, I said to myself that this is it. This is a huge exposure for me,? the Negrense fighter said.
He added that his camp has already started his training and preparation.
Nietes fortified his image further 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 recently.
Alejo is coming off a split decision victory over Jose Rivas in a scheduled 10 rounds.
The Mexican also registered a knockout win against Jose Guadalupe Martinez in the 11th of the 12-round clash for Mexico?s vacant light flyweight title.
Nietes will be joined by celebrated Pagara brothers ? Albert and Jason ? and ALA rising star Mark Magsayo.
