MANILA, Philippines - ALA Boxing Promotion and television giant GMA Network are thinking of holding a pair of title fights featuring world champions Donnie “Ahas” Nietes and Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton here in the country tentatively set this December.
“It’s an interesting idea considering that both are champions and Kapuso stars, why not,” said Michael Aldeguer, son of ALA chief Antonio Aldeguer, in yesterday’s welcome lunch hosted by GMA 7 for Nietes.
“We’re proud of him,” said GMA president and CEO Atty. Felipe Gozon who welcomed Nietes at the network’s main building in Quezon City.
The 28-year-old Nietes was fresh from a successful defense of his World Boxing Organization minimumweight title, beating Mexican Mario “Dragoncito” Rodriguez with a 12-round unanimous decision in Mexico.
Nietes, who improved to 27-1-3 (win-loss-draw) with 15 knockouts, is reportedly taking on Thai Pygmt Kokietgym, who has an impressive 42-5, in a fight where he would share the spotlight with Julaton, the reigning WBO super bantamweight queen.
“I would be happy to fight here and make our countrymen proud,” said Nietes, in Filipino.
Nietes’ victory stretched his reign to almost four years, the longest running champion among active boxers.