Sitting at the gate at Los Angeles Airport last week, Alex Valdez went almost unrecognized as he waited for the boarding call for his flight to Tokyo, Japan, where he will battle WBC Bantamweight Champion Hozumi Hasegawa this Thursday night, October 16.

“I had a couple of guys come over from the food store who recognized me and then some more people who wanted to know who I was and wanted pictures,” said the 24 year Sonora, Mexico resident.

Before heading to Tokyo, Valdez finished a lengthy training camp in Los Mochis, Mexico, under the tutelage of trainer, Manuel Montiel, father of WBO Super Flyweight Champion Fernando Montiel.

“My training was excellent. I worked with Fernando and Hugo Cazares; it was a terrific camp and I’m in great shape to fight Hasegawa," said Valdez about the seven week camp.

Elaborating on Hasegawa, Valdez stated, “I’ve watched tapes of his fights and he’s very skilled, he uses his speed well. We’re both southpaws but I’m a little taller and naturally bigger, I hope to use my height and strength to my advantage.”

Said manager Frank Espinoza, “This is a great opportunity for Alex. He’s had a terrific camp, working with Fernando and Hugo really helped him. When I met with him today, he was very confident, Hasegawa is a great fighter, but Alex is coming to win.

"I know it’s difficult for many fighters to feel comfortable fighting so far away from home. But Alex does not seem phased by that. Once the bell rings, he said it’s just the same as the other fights.”

Valdez, currently world ranked #2 by the WBC, is coming off a ten round unanimous decision over Anyetei Laryea on June 20. Spanning seventeen bouts, he is undefeated over the last four years.

The 27 year old Hasegawa, 24-2 (8), is coming off a second round knockout of Cristian Faccio on June 12 in Tokyo. Along with the WBC title, he is currently ranked the #1 bantamweight in the world by ESPN and Ring Magazine. The Japan based Hasegawa has made six championship defenses since winning the title from Veeraphol Sahaprom in April, 2005

The Hasegawa vs. Valdez fight will take place at the Yoyogi First Gym in Tokyo and is promoted by Akihiko Honda and Teiken Promotions.

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Boxing News Tags: , Alex Valdez, Fernando Montiel, Frank Espinoza, Hozumi Hasegawa, Hugo Cazares