After representing both Philippines and the United States in separate Olympic Trials, Adam Fiel and his team are now looking at Mexican rings as a viable way to fast track a promising career that currently reflects an 8-0 record (4 KO’s). He headlines Tijuana’s “Young Guns” card scheduled for February 26th in an 8 round super featherweight bout against local Alfredo Pitta.
This will be his 5th fight in Mexican territory.
For most of his professional career, Fiel has been trained by Nonito Nonaire Sr. Currently, he is under the guidance of Mateen Saifudeen Adam (formerly known as Steve Hernandez.
“I started with Mateen and am now training with him again, as Donaire Senior has moved to Las Vegas to be with his son Nonito, once he regained the world championship,” said Adam.
“I feel very comfortable with Mateen. And I understand why Nonito went to train his son. As an older fighter, he needs to be on top shape at all times to stay on the top of the game,” he added.
In addition to Nonaire Sr, and Mateen, Adam’s father, Chris Fiel, -a Mechanical Engineer by trade- is also an important part of the team.
“I took Adam to a basketball game when he was 8 years old. There was a gym in the location and since then, he decided to box. The whole family is very supportive, although he does need to box as he has a guaranteed education if he wants one. I manage his career and am very comfortable with him boxing in Mexico. As there are many more boxing cards there, it is easier from a boxer like Adam to get a good number of fights and since he is not getting any younger, we need to speed up the process,” said Chris.
Fighting before Mexican crowds has been stimulating to Adam.
“I am comfortable fighting anywhere but find fighting in Mexico very stimulating. The crowds there like aggressive fighters that put on a show. So far I have won the public in my presentations there, specially in Culican, Sinaloa, where I won in one round in wild slugfest.”
“I know that the fans root for the local fighters and that is part of the game. And, by the way, Mexican fighters are not easy, regardless of their record. They don’t come to lay down, but to put forward their best effort. I don’t known much about Afredo Pitta, other that his record, but I am going into the fight 100 percent ready.”, said Adam.
Regarding his “Filipino Fury” nickname, Adam said:
“I personally don’t like the nickname. I would have chosen “The Force”. First of all, I was born in the United States (Vacaville, California) and my grandmother is Mexican, so the ‘Filipino’ tag is somewhat distorted. But most of my family is Filipino and that’s the fighting name that has stuck. I guess we will just have to go with it.”
“I have set a goal to fight as much as I can for two years and after that, to see my options. I have put aside my college education to see how my career develops. Being in boxing for so long and working closely with Donaire Sr. and other boxers I will definite know in two years if there is money to be made in boxing, or if I should follow another career path,” he concluded.
“Young Guns” card is presented by Borizteca Boxing Promotions at the Salon Mezzanine in Tijuana, Mexico.
In the undercard, three-time Cuba’s National Champion, Marcos Forestal will face Gonzalo Lopez (2-2), of Tijuana In a 4 round super bantamweight bout.
Floyds Mayweather’s brother, Justin Maywather Jones, who comes with 1-0 mark will go up against Alfred Tisdale from Fresno in a 4 round junior middleweight scrap.
Three undefeated will also see action. Jorge “El Bandido” Escalante, of San Diego California, who comes in with a 3-0-1 will face Gabriel “Black Mamba” Ojeda (1-0), of Tijuana in a scheduled 4 round fight in the light heavyweight division.
Meanwhile, Armando Tovar (2-0), San Diego, California, will meet newcomer Alejandro Castaneda, of Rosarito, Baja California in a 4 round welterweight. This Tovar’s third presentation in this venue.
Francisco Ochoa (4-0) Los Angeles vs Manuel Sandoval (0-5), in a fight scheduled for 4 rounds in the lightweight division..
Javier Lazaret will fight Juan Eduardo Cuevas in a 4 round, junior middleweight bout. Both fighters are from Tijuana.
Finally, Gabriel Cervantes from Agua Prieta, Sonora will meet Abel Rueda, from Merida, Yucatan in a 4 round, super featherweight bout.
Tickets for the event are available at the Mezzanine Lounge. Doors open at 7:30 PM and first bell is 8:15 PM.
All bouts are subject to change and Comission’s Approval.
