Nietes seeks world title in new division

CEBU, Philippines - ALA Boxing Gym stalwart Donnie “Ahas” Nietes inched closer to fulfill his dream of becoming a two-division champion as he is set to challenge reigning WBO light flyweight titlist Ramon Garcia Hirales of Mexico on September 10 at the University of St. La Salle (USLS) Coliseum in Bacolod City.

Nietes, who relinquished his WBO minimumweight title last March to test the waters of a higher weight class, and Hirales will headline the eighth installment of the highly-successful “Pinoy Pride” series.

“Lipay kaayo ko og dako nga mahitabo na gyud ni ako dugay nga gipangandoy nga world title fight ug sa akong yutang natawhan pa gyud nako siya (Hirales) awayon,” said Nietes.

Nietes said this would be the biggest fight of his career as he aims to follow the path of other Filipino multi-division world champions like world pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire, Jr.

“Daku ni nga away alang sa akoa. Padayon ko sa akong preparasyon ug ensayo nga gisugdan nako sa June pa,” added Nietes. “Humana sab ko og tan-aw sa mga tapes sa away sa ako kontra ug ako nakita nga kaya ra kung sakto lang sa preparasyon.”

The 29-year-old Nietes is coming off a first round knockout of Mexican Armando Vasquez during the Pinoy Pride 5 last April 9 also in Bacolod.

For his part, ALA Promotions CEO Michael Aldeguer said all the hard work paid off as the Mexican’s camp finally agreed to visit the Philippines to give Nietes a chance to be a challenger.

“Grabe, lisud gyud ang negotiation because we are talking about bringing a world champion to defend his title here and gladly we meet the demands and they agree to give Nietes a shot,” said Aldeguer.

Aldeguer will check in ALA world title hopeful Milan Melindo in the supporting bout most probably against a Mexican.

Also to be included in the undercard is ALA Gym's newest catch in Arthur Villanueva, the reigning Philippine flyweight champion who is undefeated in 17 bouts, so far. – THE FREEMAN