By Rod Mijares
Balita Media Nevada correspondent
(photo courtesy of ALA Boxing Promotions Facebook page)
After a successful boxing promotions in the Philippines and in the Middle East, ALA Boxing Promotions in collaboration with ABS-CBN makes history by promoting their latest installment of never ending Pinoy Pride, where else, but in the boxing mecca of the world, America, the land of opportunities where fame and boxing greatness are made and being made as we speak.
Pinoy Pride latest edition, Philippines vs. The World, is the first ever 100% Filipino boxing promotion in America and it will be held at the StubHub Center in Carson, Los Angeles California on Saturday, October 17, 2015. Philippines vs. The World is anchored by 8th-time WBO world light flyweight champion Donnie Nietes in the main event with equally talented world caliber boxers, Mark Magsayo and brothers Jason and Albert Pagara in the featured events. Up and coming Filipino boxer Bruno Escalante completes the supporting cast.
The 33-year old Donnie “Ahas” Nietes (36-1-4) will defend his title against Mexican Juan Alejo (21-3-0) in a 12-round bout. Nietes became a world champion by defeating Thailand’s Pornsawan Porpramook on September 30, 2007 for the WBO world minimumweight title and defending it four times before moving up in weight. Four years later, on October 8, 2011 he conquered Mexican Ramon Garcia Hirales for the WBO World lightweight title and from there on holding onto it and defending it seven times.
Nietes said, “ I am 100% confident that I will win. This is the fight I have been waiting for a long time to fight in America and showcase my boxing skill in front of the world. My family and ALA Boxing Promotions inspire me to excel in every fight I have been to. For this fight, it is very imperative that we win so that we can give honor to our country and to our countrymen.”
WBO International superlightweight champion, Jason Pagara (36-2-0) will duke it out with Nicaraguan Santos Benavides (25-7-2) in a non-title 10-round bout. Jason Pagara TKO’d Mexican Rosbel Montoya on August 18, 2012 for the vacant WBO International super lightweight title and already defended his title five times. “I am confident that I will win for my family, especially, for my son. My dream already came true. I am fighting now in America and I am 100% ready for this event and I know Filipinos here in America will support us,” Jayson said.
IBF Inter-Continental super bantamweight champion Prince Albert Pagara (24-0-0) will go up against Nicaraguan William Gonzales (27-5-0). The Prince with a colorful and fancy hairdo captured the vacant Inter-Continental super bantamweight title on June 21, 2014 with a first round TKO of Mexican Hugo Partida at Cebu City Waterfront Hotel & Casino and successfully defended his title on his last three fights. “It is our dream to fight here in America for our family who inspires me to win and be successful in all my fights where ever it might be in the world,” Albert said.
Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo, (11(9KO)-0-0) the reigning IBF Youth featherweight champion, will defend his title against Mexican Yardley Suarez (13(8KO)-0-0) in a 10-round bout. This will be a very exciting match as both are proven knockout artists. Magsayo debuted as a boxer two and a half years ago on May 25, 2013 with a first round knockout of his opponent. “I am confident that I will win because of the rigid training we are undergoing through here in California. Fighting here in America is a big break for me and I am inspired by the support of my family and grateful of those who support Pinoy boxers like me,” Magsayo said.
Featherweight Adam Fiel from (6-0-0) from Vacaville, California will fight Michael Andrew Gaxiola (4-4-0) from Modesto, California but super flyweight Cebuano Bruno Escalante’s (13-1-1) opponent is yet to be announced.
Ticket prices ranges are from $27.00 to $105.00 and are available at StubHub Center and in some Filipino outlets. Filipinos in America are sure to support this first ever 100% Filipino promotions in America and their Boxers who will surely bring excitement and Pinoy Pride and continue what Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has began, to show to the world what we Filipinos are capable of becoming boxing world champions.