Nietes to defend WBO belt against Alejo in US debut

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino boxer Donnie Nietes will stake his WBO and Ring magazine junior flyweight championships for the eighth time against Mexican fighter Juan Alejo in the headliner of ALA Promotion’s US debut at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. on October 17.

Nietes (36-1-4, 21 knockouts) is coming off a lopsided decision victory over former world champion Francisco Rodriguez Jr. this past July in Cebu City.

The 33-year-old native of Murcia, Negros Occidental surpassed the 47-year-old record of the late Gabriel “Flash” Elorde in January as the longest reigning Filipino boxing world champion and will be in his eighth year this coming September as a world champion over two divisions, having reigned previously as the WBO titleholder 

Nietes is already in the thick of training in Cebu City, but will head to Los Angeles next month.

On the other hand, Alejo (21-3, 13 KOs) is rated No. 8 by WBO and owns an impressive 21-bout winning streak after dropping his first 3 professional outings.

Alejo has danced with some notable names in the ring, including ex-world title contenders Joshua Cabrera and Erik Ramirez, who fought but lost to Nietes.

The 24-year-old Alejo seeks to be the first Mexican pugilist to defeat Nietes as his higher profile compatriots Rodriguez, Moises Fuentes and Ramon Garcia-Hirales failed to beat one of the best Pinoy boxers in recent history.

Nietes vs. Alejo will be the top bill of ALA’s Promotion’s fight card dubbed “Pinoy Pride 33,” which takes place at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

The event will also banner 3 other rising stars such as Mark Magsayo and the renowned Pagara brothers Albert and Jason.

Their opponents are being finalized along with the rest of the undercard that will feature matches between Filipinos and Latinos. – Rappler.com