by Ronnie Nathanielsz

The famed ALA Promotions has achieved another milestone in its efforts to elevate Philippine boxing to a higher level, internationally.

The respected boxing patron Tony Aldeguer informed BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard that ALA Promotions has finally been granted a license to promote fights in the United States, making ot “the first in Asia to be given the privilege.”

Tony Aldeguer said his son, ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer had the pleasure of meeting with Andy Foster, Executive Officer of the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) and after their first meeting in November 2011 “was finally granted the license to promote.”

The boxing patron said “this is indeed a big breakthrough not only for ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN but for the entire country as well. This is another Pinoy Pride.”

Michael Aldeguer is currently attending the IBF Convention in New Jersey and has shuttled back and forth between Cebu and California to meet with CSAC officials aside from securing an apartment for ALA fighters and trainers to live in and to establish a gym in San Diego.

He told us some time ago that the top fighters of the ALA Gym will live and train in San Diego along with strength and conditioning coach Nick Curson who did an amazing job with WBO light flyweight champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes who scored a spectacular 9th round TKO over mandatory challenger and WBO Interim champion Moises Fuentes at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 10.

Curson who was introduced to 2012 “Fighter of the Year” Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire has been working with the four division world champion who is preparing for his title fight  against WBA champion Simpiwe Vetyeka in Macau  on May 31.

Unfortunately Curson was hospitalized due to an apparent virus and although he is now out of the Asian Hospital he told us, he will not be able to work with Donaire until possibly the end of this week and may not even travel to Macau.