History beckons for Nietes

CEBU, Philippines - Expect Donnie 'Ahas' Nietes (33-1-4, 19KOs) to lay down all his cards as he eyes piece of history in his WBO light flyweight title defense against tough Mexican challenger Carlos "Chapito" Velarde (26-3-1, 14KOs) in a 12-round rumble topbilling the blockbuster 'Pinoy Pride 28: History in the Making' fightcard tonight at the Pacific grand ballroom of Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Undefeated with two world championship belts in different weight divisions strapped around his waist, the 32-year-old Nietes yearns for more than fistic glory as he also aims to surpass the record of the late Cebuano great Gabriel "Flash" Elorde as the longest reigning Filipino world boxing champion. Elorde held the world junior welterweight crown for seven years and three months.

“He (Nietes) has come a long way but I never doubted his ability of being one of the greatest fighter coming from my gym,” said boxing patron and ALA Boxing Gym founder Antonio Aldeguer. “Donnie is the face of ALA Boxing and his success really matters to us. Aside from being a good boxer, Donnie exemplifies a true and great boxing champion being a skillful yet humble champion.”

Since he ascended into the WBO minimumweight throne after a one-sided beating of the rugged Thai Pornsawan Porpramook on September 30, 2007 also at the Waterfront Hotel, Nietes is just two months shy from breaking Elorde's mark and he could achieve that landmark monumental if he gets past Velarde.

"I really don't think much about breaking Elorde's record and make history for myself," insisted Nietes. "First things first, my motivation and mental focus right now is how to take care of him (Velarde and pull off a win, hopefully in an impressive manner the fans would really enjoy."

The pride of of Murcia, Negros Occidental did not have a problem making weight as he tipped the scales at 107 pounds, one pound lighter than his challenger Velarde during the official weigh-in yesterday at the Robinsons Place Fuente.

Nietes also wants to make an impression as this could be a swansong of a match for him under the 108-pound category.

ALA Promotions International President and CEO Michael P. Aldeguer made no secret about their plans for Nietes to venture in the flyweight ranks and possibly challenged WBO/WBA champion Juan Francisco Estrada of Mexico.

"That is one of the possibilities we are looking into for Nietes," said Aldeguer. "But let's just wait and see what happens next as he has to deal first with Velarde. It's only after we can see the outcome of the fight that we'll be able to determine what's best for him in the future."

In a powerhouse cast never assembled before in the annals of Philippine boxing, four more marquee fighters from the ALA Stable in Milan "El Metodico" Melindo, 'Prince' Albert Pagara, AJ 'Bazooka' Banal, and Merlito "Tiger" Sabillo will also showcase their punching talents.

Melindo (31-1, 12KOs) will try to rechart his career path towards another world title crack as he takes on Saul "Baby" Alvarez (20-3, 11KOs) of Mexico in an IBF light flyweight elimination bout.

The fighting pride of Cagayan de Oro is raring to make the most from the opportunity as a victory would earn him a mandatory shot at WBA 108-pound king Javier Mendoza mostly likely next year.

Sabillo (23-1, 12KOs) who briefly reigned as the WBO minimumweight champion, is also itching to cement back his road to fame and he could begin that when he tackles Indonesian Faris Neggo (8-6, 2KOs) in a non-title bout scheduled for eight rounds.

Pagara (21-0, 15KOs), for his part, will defend his IBF Intercontinental junior featherweight belt against the equally-tough Mexican warrior Raul Hirales (20-3, 11KOs), while Banal (31-2, 22KOs) will slug it out with Maxsaisai Sithsaithong (15-5, 4KOs) of Thailand, hoping to stay on a hot comeback trail after his second failed attempt at a world title. (FREEMAN)