ALA boxers, foes ready to rumble

CARSON, California – The fighters stood face to face Thursday noon and looked ready to rumble for Pinoy Pride 33: Philippines vs the World at the StubHub Center here.

Donnie Nietes, the only reigning Filipino world champion today, stared at his challenger from Mexico, Juan “Pinky” Alejo, during the press conference at the Carson Civic Center.

(Related story on A-20)

The three other boxers from the ALA stable of Cebu, Albert Pagara, Mark Magsayo and Jason Pagara, also met their opponents from Nicaragua and Mexico for the first time.

“It’s time. It’s showtime,” said the 33-year-old Nietes, who will put his WBO light-flyweight crown on the line against the obscure fighter from Mexico.

Nietes will have a lot more at stake Saturday evening (Sunday noon in Manila), including his reputation as the longest reigning Pinoy champion.

The soft-spoken native of Negros Occidental has been world champion since 2007, and hasn’t lost a fight since 2004, racking up 21 straight victories.

Alejo said he’s here to take it all away from Nietes.

“But I prepared hard for this fight. I’m excited to fight him. I like to fight here for the Filipinos. If I get the chance I will knock him out,” said Nietes.

Alejo applauded from his chair as Nietes was introduced during the press conference.

“I know Nietes is a complete boxer and he’s one of the best. But I’m also ready to put up a good fight for 12 rounds,” said the Mexican.

At 2 p.m. Friday, they will meet again during the official weigh-in at the Carson Civic Center, where a bronze statue of the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, stands.

Albert Pagara, undefeated in 24 fights with 17 knockouts, will defend his IBF Inter-Continental super-bantamweight crown against Nicaragua’s William Gonzales.

His older brother, Jason Pagara, faces Santos Benavides, also of Nicaragua, while Mark Magsayo, also young and undefeated as a pro, will have Yardley Suarez of Mexico as opponent.

Bruno Escalante, a Filipino now based in San Francisco, locks horns with Mexico’s Nestor Ramos in the opening bout of the card presented by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN.

Magsayo, 11-0 with nine knockouts, provided the fireworks during the press conference.

Suarez, also undefeated in 13 fights, said the fight could be over in just a couple of rounds.

“We will see during the fight. But in this fight, I’m sure that there will be a knockout,” said Magsayo.

“I really hope the fight won’t get to 10 rounds,” said Suarez, who will challenge the 20-year-old Filipino for the IBF Youth featherweight title.

The Pagara brothers also faced threats of a knockout from their respective opponents but opted to keep their cards close to their chest.

“Hindi ako magsasalita ng tapos (I will not jump into conclusions). Makikita niyo na lang (But you will see),” said Albert.