Cortez to referee Nietes vs. Garcia

CEBU, Philippines - Legendary Mexican referee Joe Cortez is reported going to be the third man on the ring for the highly anticipated WBO light flyweight showdown between Mexican Ramon “Principe” Garcia Hirales and ALA stalwart Donnie “Ahas” Nietes.

Nietes will try to join the list of Pinoy boxers to win world titles in multiple weight divisions as he faces Hirales in the main event of “Pinoy Pride 9” this October 8 at the University of St. La Salle Gymnasium, Bacolod City.

In a report from Philboxing.com, WBO president Paco Valcarcel personally chose Cortez to be referee, while three highly respected judges Liza Giampa of Nevada, Carlos Ortiz of New York and Filipino lawyer Darex Tapdasan will be the three judges that will decide if the fight reaches the twelve rounds.

 Nietes is now training camp in the famed ALA Boxing Gym in Brgy. Talamban under the watchful eyes of Edmund Villamor and conditioning coach Pio Solon.

 Also fighting along with Nietes is his stable mate and bantamweight contender AJ “Bazooka” Banal against a Latin fighter. – THE FREEMAN