Nietes ready for Mexican foe

MANILA, Philippines - Donnie Nietes has decided to move up in weight, saying his coming fight against Mexican Carlos “Chapito” Velarde would be his last in the junior flyweight division.

But before he thinks of his next goal, the soft-spoken Filipino boxing champion must first defend his WBO crown in the 108 lb class on Nov. 15 at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu City.

If Nietes, 32, holds on to the title until Jan. 1 of 2015, he will surpass the record of the late Gabriel “Flash” Elorde as the longest-reigning Filipino boxing champion.

Nietes is just a couple of months away from setting a new record. Yet, he told scribes yesterday that breaking Elorde’s record is not his primary goal.

“Wala naman pressure dun (It doesn’t pressure me). What’s important is for me to be in great shape for this fight,” said Nietes of the fabled ALA Boxing Promotions of Cebu.

“This will be my last fight at 108. Para maiba naman (I want changes). Right now I’m 80 to 90 percent ready,” added Nietes, undefeated for 10 years now.

Dennis Canete, vice president of ALA, said it will also be very special for Nietes if he sets a new Philippine record.

“He will be the longest-reigning Filipino world champion if by Jan. 1 he remains a title holder,” added Canete in announcing Pinoy Pride 28.

Nietes said he has religiously studied Velarde’s style.

“Madami siya kung sumuntok (He’s a volume puncher),” said Nietes, who will share the stage in November with Milam Melindo and Albert Pagara.

Melindo will dispute the IBF junior flyweight title against Mexico’s Saul Juarez while Pagara will face another Mexican, Raul Hirales, for the IBF International junior featherweight crown.

Merlito Sabillo will be on the comeback trail against Indonesia’s Faris Nenggo while crowd-drawer AJ “Bazooka” Banal will also see action but is still shopping for an opponent.