Pagara brothers, Magsayo off to US for daunting challenge

CEBU, Philippines – Celebrated brothers 'Prince' Albert  (24-0, 17KOs) and Jason "El Niño" Pagara (36-3, 22KOs) and rising featherweight star Mark ‘Magnifico” Magsayo (11-0, 9KOs) will leave for the United States today, bringing along with them an extra luggage of hurdling a tough challenge that is not only for their personal honor but also for the country's pride.

This as they take centerstage in the first ever Pinoy Pride show of ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN in the US billed as the "Philippines vs the World" on October 17 at the StubHub Center in Carson City, California.

"As they face the biggest challenge of their careers, I instilled in their minds to focus on their training, double their sacrifice and dedication to eventually fulfill their dream of becoming world champions," said trainer  Edito Villamor, who will be guiding the ALA boxers as they continue their spartan-like training regimen at the Wild Card gym of noted American tactician Freddie Roach in Los Angeles.

ALA Promotions President and CEO Michael P. Aldeguer said they are still finalizing the opponents of his wards, but the Pagara siblings said they are up to challenge whoever their opponents will be.

"I will surely give my best shot because this fight is very significant for me. I am fighting not only for myself and family but also for the country," said Jason Pagara, the reigning WBO International light welterweight title-holder.

His younger brother Albert, the undefeated IBF Intercontinental super bantamweight champion, is also looking forward to his US debut with much excitement.

"I'm not pressured fighting for the first time in the US. My confidence level is high and I will try hard to put on a show and come out victorious," said Albert.

Two-division world champion Donnie 'Ahas' Nietes (36-1-4, 21KOs) will headline the historic event as he defends his WBO and The Ring light flyweight crown against Mexican Juan 'Pinky' Alejo(21-3, 13KOs) in his first appearance in the US arena.

At the moment, Nietes is still trying to obtain his working visa and will unite with the team later this month at Wild Card Gym where he is scheduled to spar with former world champion Brian Viloria, who is seeing action on a different fightcard in New York on the very same day the landmark "Pinoy Pride 33" takes place. (FREEMAN)