World champs collide tonight: Barrera in town to grace Nietes-Fuentes title showdown

CEBU, Philippines - History unfolds in Cebu sports today when Donnie "Ahas" Nietes (31-1-3, 17KOs) of the fabled ALA Boxing Gym defends his WBO light flyweight title against Moises Fuentes (26-1, 20KOs) of Mexico in the main event of the "Pinoy Pride XVIII:World Champion vs. World Champion" fight card at the Pacific grand ballroom of Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino. Showtime promptly starts at 6 pm.

"This is something we've been working hard. We're very honored and very happy to be part of his part. I would like everyone to be part of history," said ALA Promotions President and CEO Michael P. Aldeguer.

It's nearly half a century ago - 49 years to be exact - since a boxing match of such magnitude took place on the Philippine soil. Puerto Rican great Carlos Ortiz, the WBA lightweight champion at that time, came over to the country to challenge the legendary Gabriel "Flash" Elorde for the WBC lightweight belt on February 15, 1964 at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. Elorde lost via 14th round TKO.

The late Elorde, considered by many as one of the greatest Filipino fighters of all time alongside Manny Pacquiao and Pancho Villa, still holds the longest championship reign that spanned for seven years and three months (1960-1967).

And the 30-year-old Nietes wants a piece of that history.

"That is actually one of my motivations going into this fight. I want to match, if not surpass, Elorde's record," said Nietes, who reigns as a world champion for five years and five months now.

Nietes ascended into the WBO throne after beating Thai Pornsawan Porpramook by unanimous verdict on September 30, 2007 at the Waterfront Hotel. He defended his title four times - twice in Mexico - before clinching the WBC light flyweight crown with a hard-earned victory over Mexican Ramon Garcia Hirales before his hometown fans in Bacolod City two years ago.

"I want to stay as a world champion for a long time and write history for myself," said the soft-spoken Bacoleño fighter. "That is why I can't afford to lose this fight. I will do everything I can to beat Fuentes. If opportunity presents itself, I will be going for a knockout."

Nietes and Fuentes easily made the regulatory 108-pound limit during the official weigh-in yesterday at the Event Centre of SM City-Cebu, but Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera somehow stole the show from them for a moment.

The three-division world titlist nicknamed the "Baby-Faced Assasin" is in town as a special guest for today's blockbuster show bankrolled by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports.

Barrera, who became Manny Pacquiao's launching pad to stardom, was immediately mobbed by fans upon his arrival and he was very kind enough to pose for photographs with them.

"It's good to be here in Cebu. The people are very nice. It's going to be a great fight tommorow (tonight)," said Barrera, whose older brother Jorge is the trainer and manager of Fuentes.

Two explosive bouts have been lined up prior to the Nietes-Fuentes duel featuring WBO Asia-Pacific and WBC Silver super bantamweight champion Genesis “Azukal” Servania and the resurgent Jimrex “Executioner” Jaca, who is seeking to extend his eight-fight winning streak.

Servania (19-0, 6KOs) will stake both his WBO regional crown and unbeaten record against Indonesian “Time Bomb” Angky Angkota (26-8, 14KOs), while Jaca (30-6-3, 20KOs) will slug it out with Rachamongkol Sor Pleonchit (13-4, 5KOs) of Thailand’s world-renowned Kokiet Gym.

The rest of the slambang card pits Mark Bernaldez of Butuan City vs Rolando Omela of Davao City; Ralph Lulu of Sultan Kudarat vs Alvin Makiling of Malaybalay, Bukidnon; Juren Labordo of Bacolod City vs Marlou Talili of Guindulman, Bohol; Rey Morales of Himamaylan City vs Abel Gayhon of Malaybalay; and Kazuma Ejiri of Kobe, Japan vs Andrew Palas of Cebu City.

Tickets are priced at P250 for balcony, P350 for ballroom, P500 for golden seats, P1,250 for VIP 4th row, P1,500 for VIP 3rd row, P2,000 for VIP 2nd row, P3,000 for VIP first row, and P4,000 for Platinum VIP.

For reservations and other inquiries, one may contact 505-9513, 0923-1072890, 0915-8690905, 0927-5612059 or visit www.alaboxing.com. (FREEMAN)