DUBAI, UAE—It’s on to the United States for ALA Promotions International.
This was confirmed by Michael Aldeguer, president and CEO of the Philippines’ foremost boxing outfit, Thursday here.
Emboldened by the success of ALA’s two forays in this bustling metropolis, Aldeguer said everything is in place to stage a fight card at StubHub Center in Carson, California, on Oct. 17.
Thus far, however, the boxers to be featured have yet to be chosen.
Among the top candidates are brothers “Prince” Albert and Jason Pagara, who are the headliners in “Pinoy Pride 32: Duel in Dubai 2,” being held at the World Trade Center here Friday night (early Saturday in Manila).
Even before he traded punches with Jesus Rios, however, the younger Albert is certain to retain his International Boxing Federation intercontinental junior featherweight crown as the Mexican failed to make the 122-poud weight limit in Thursday’s official weigh-in.
Rios tipped the scales at 125.8 pounds and after two hours of sweating it out could only bring his weight down to 123.8, forfeiting his bid for the title.
Regardless, the unbeaten Albert (23-0) said he will go for his 17th knockout win.
Aside from the Pagaras, also being considered by Aldeguer for the US sojourn is World Boxing Organization light flyweight champion Donnie Nietes, the longest reigning Filipino world champion ever having held at the title for over seven years.
Nietes was at ringside to provide support to the Pagaras.
Though Nietes, pride of Murcia, Negros Occidental, wants to bring his act to Bacolod, there’s an enticing offer for him to fight in Japan.
Having been granted a license to stage fights in the US, ALA Promotions will go full blast next year with four scheduled events, including a major promotion that will showcase the stars of the 48-man boxing stable.