Nietes to fight in US; Bacolod bout on hold

MANILA, Philippines - Donnie Nietes fight fans in Bacolod will have to wait a little longer before they get to see the longest-reigning Filipino world champion in action in their hometown.

Nietes, the WBO light-flyweight champion and former minimumweight champion, had long wanted to stage a fight before his provincemates, and it was originally planned for November.

The 33-year-old champion, born in Murcia in Negros Occidental, has not fought in Bacolod since Oct. 8, 2011 when he won the 108 lb title with a unanimous decision over Mexico’s Ramon Garcia Hirales.

Since that victorious night at the La Salle Coliseum, Nietes has staged his last eight fights in Manila, Cebu and Dumaguete, winning them all and stretching his unbeaten streak to 28 fights.

The last time Nietes fought out of the country was on Aug. 14, 2010 when he outpointed Mexico’s Mario Rodriguez in Guasave, Sinaloa in Mexico.

Only last week, Nietes’ handlers led by ALA Promotions chief Michael Aldeguer had penciled Nov. 28 as Nietes’ homecoming fight in Bacolod.

But there was a sudden change of plan, and now ALA Promotions has tapped Nietes to headline ALA’s first card in the United States on Oct. 17 at the StubHub Center in Carson City, California.

“We can do the Bacolod fight in March next year,” Aldeguer told The STAR.

Instead of Bacolod, Nietes will now fight in the United States for the first time in his career, after three fights in Jakarta and another three in Mexico.

Nietes will headline the Pinoy Pride: Filipinos Kontra Latinos card to be presented by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN through its overseas arm, The Filipino Channel.

Also in that card are young and undefeated Filipino boxers Albert Pagara (23-0) and Mark Magsayo (11-0).