Negrense boxing idol and Philippines longest reigning world champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes, left for the US yesterday, a couple of weeks ahead of his October 17 WBO title defense against Mexican Juan Alejo at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

With him was his trainer Edmund Villamor and they are scheduled to join ALA boxers Jason and Albert Pagara, Mark Magsayo and trainer Edito Villamor who have been training at Freddie Roach's Wildcard Gym, a report for the philboxing.com said.

The Nietes vs. Alejo fight in the light flyweight category banners the first US venture of the ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN's Pinoy Pride boxing spectacle.

Before leaving for the US Villamor told philboxing that Nietes had 80 rounds of sparring and they are targeting 20 rounds more after settling in Los Angeles. Among those lined up to be Nietes' sparring partners is Brian Viloria.

Noting that Alejo is a counter puncher like Nietes, Villamor said it will be a battle of tactics between Nietes, the reigning WBO light flyweight king, and the No, 8-ranked Mexican fighter.

Going into the fight, Nietes carries a 36-1-4 win-loss-draw record with 21 knockouts while Alejo has 21-3-0 with 13 KOs credit under his name.

Nietes told the media that while waiting for the release of his travel papers to the US, he spent his time training with several sparring partners.

He alsos aid that he had a more focused training and he is excited and ready to face Alejo.*

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Nietes starts US training for Oct. 17 fight vs. Alejo
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