Nietes’ opponent replaced

CEBU, Philippines - Reigning WBO light flyweight champion Donnie ‘Ahas’ Nietes (34-1, 20KOs) will use a new fight plan when he faces Mexican Gilberto ‘Parrita’ Parra (19-1, 17KOs) in the main event of Pinoy Pride 30 on March 28 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Parra is a replacement for Luis ‘Gallo’ Ceja (26-5, 21KOs). Nietes was scheduled to face Ceja, but the WBO disagreed of the fight and ordered Nietes to defend his title to mandatory challenger Franciso Rodriguez.

ALA Promotions agreed for the mandatory title defense of Nietes, but the camp of Rodriguez said that their fighter is not yet ready for a March 28 fight against the Pinoy world champion.

“We got a mandatory fight against Rodriguez from the WBO but Rodriguez is not available for March 28,” said ALA Promotions President and CEO Michael Aldeguer. “Zanfer gave us Parra to fight Nietes and if Donnie wins then he would expect a showdown against Rodriguez in July.”

“We still haven’t signed the contract yet but it is already sure that Donnie will defend his title against Parra.”

Even if Parra is a replacement, Aldeguer believes that he is still a tough fight for Nietes being a knockout puncher same as Ceja. “I can even say that he (Parra) is more dangerous than Ceja,” added Aldeguer.

Nietes, the longest reigning world champion, co-headlines the slambang card presented by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports with Nonito 'The Filipino' Flash Donaire (33-3, 21KOs) in what could be the country's biggest sports event of the year, so far.

The erstwhile five-division world champion will vie for the vacant North American Boxing Federation super bantamweight crown against Brazilian William Prado (22-4, 15KOs). (FREEMAN)