Nietes, Fuentes going for knockout

MANILA, Philippines - Donnie “Ahas” Nietes yesterday vowed to go all-out for a knockout win when he defends his WBO light flyweight title against fellow world champion Moises Fuentes of Mexico in the main event of the “Pinoy Pride XVIII: World Champion vs World Champion” fight card tomorrow at the Pacific grand ballroom of Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

“Let’s just see what happens in the ring. If he (Fuentes) can’t stand by what he said, I’ll be the one who is going to knock him out,” said Nietes during the event’s final press conference yesterday at the Aegean room of the posh hotel.

Nietes’ remarks came after Fuentes predicted that the ALA Boxing Gym star will fall before the end of their 12-round showdown.

Nietes, on the other hand, said he is also unfazed by his rival’s impressive ring credentials.

Boxrec.com listed Fuentes at 16-1 with only eight KOs, but Mexican trainer Jorge Barrera said his prized ward officially holds a 26-1 win-loss record spiked with 20 stoppages.

“I don’t know if they are just making up his fight record to make it look more impressive,” said Nietes. “But I’m not afraid of him. When I fight someone, I don’t look at his record but his style and that’s what matters most to me.”

Fuentes, for his part, said Nietes is by far the toughest foe he is going to face but he comes well-prepared and is a hundred percent ready for the big fight. 

“ I’m not worried about what he said. I come here to work and do my job. Nietes is a great champion. This is the toughest fight of my career, a fight that I have to win,” said Fuentes, the reigning WBO minimumweight king who moved up from the 105-pound division to the 108-pound class to challenge the Filipino champion.

Fuentes said he doesn’t mind fighting at enemy’s territory as he is out to prove something.

“I want to show to the world who really the best fighter is. To be the best, you have to fight the best,” said Fuentes.

Two explosive bouts have been lined up prior to the Nietes-Fuentes duel featuring WBO Asia-Pacific and WBC Silver super bantamweight titlist 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 bankrolled by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports 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. – Emmanuel Villaruel/Freeman News Service