Nietes chases Elorde mark vs Fuentes today

CEBU CITY, Philippines – Donnie Nietes stakes his WBO light flyweight crown against Mexican Moises Fuentes tonight in what promises to be a slambang duel between two champions in the main event of the Pinoy Pride XVIII: World Champion vs World Champion fightcard at the Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino here.

Both fighters have vowed to go for a knockout with the Filipino fighter also aiming at stretching his reign as world champion to 5 1/2 years and get a crack at the Gabriel “Flash” Elorde’s feat. The late Elorde, considered as one of the greatest Filipino fighters of all time, holds the longest championship reign that spanned seven years and three months (1960-67).

“That is actually one of my motivations going into this fight,” said Nietes, who boasts of a 31-1-3 record, including 17 knockouts. “I want to match, if not surpass, Elorde’s record.”

Showtime starts at 6 p.m.

Nietes and Fuentes, with a 26-1 record, highlighted by 20 stoppages, 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 stole the spotlight as the former three-division world titlist, nicknamed the “Baby-Faced Assassin,” is in town as a special guest for tonight’s blockbuster fightcard bankrolled by ALA Promptions and ABS-CBN Sports. 

Barrera, whom Manny Pacquiao beat that paved the way for the Filipino icon’s rise to prominence, was mobbed by fans upon his arrival.

“It’s good to be here in Cebu. The people are very nice. It’s going to be a great fight tomorrow (tonight),” said Barrera.

Nietes ascended into the WBO throne by beating Thai Pornsawan Porpramook via unanimous decision on Sept. 30, 2007, also here. 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 Nietes. “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.”

“This is something we’ve been working hard. We’re very honored and very happy to be part of his fight,” said ALA Promotions president and CEO Michael Aldeguer. – Emmanuel Villaruel/Freeman News Service