QUEZON CITY, Philippines - Expect an explosive night of boxing as WBO light flyweight king Donnie 'Ahas' Nietes and former five-division world titlist Nonito 'The Filipino Flash' Donaire vow to knock out their respective Latino foes in the main feature of the highly-anticipated 'Pinoy Pride 30: D-Day' fightcard tonight at the Smart Araneta Coliseum here.
Knowing that they are in for crucial fights, Nietes and Donaire are both raring to make an impression in front of their countrymen.
Nietes (34-1, 20KOs), the longest reigning Filipino world boxing champion, said he is primed and ready as he puts his WBO 108-pound belt on the line against Mexican power-hitter Gilberto 'Parrita' Parra (19-1, 17KOs).
"He is a knockout puncher so I expect him to go inside and brawl with me," said Nietes. "But I have studied his style and If I caught him with a good counter, then I can say that this will be over," said Nietes.
"I am facing another big challenge in July, that is why I want to show how much I improved and what I am capable of doing," added the pride of Murcia, Negros Occidental.
If he gets past Parra, Nietes is bound for an extensive training camp in the United States prepatory for a scheduled July 18 bout versus former Mexican champion Francisco Rodriguez at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
Because of that, Nietes, in any way, can't afford to lose against Parra.
On the other hand, Donaire (33-2, 21KOs) hopes to regain lost pride and glamour as he battles Brazilian William Prado (22-4-1, 15KOs) in a 12-round rumble for the vacant NABF super bantamweight title.
Donaire is needing a win to restore his reputation as an elite fighter that was somehow tarnished after his stunning sixth round KO defeat to Jamaican banger Nicholas Walters that cost him his WBA featherweight crown in October last year.
Donaire is highly confident though that he still has what it takes to be in line with the world's best boxers in his division.
"We all know how important this fight is for me," said Donaire."Many thought my career was over after my fight with (Nicholas) Walters, but I am not affected by that loss. I do feel I found the key to rise up again."
"I wont say what round because I respect him, but I long for a knockout especially in this important fight," he added.
While Donaire was a bit hesitant about his prediction, his father and trainer Nonito Sr. appears to be in sharp contrast, boldly declaring that his son will finish off Prado in sixth rounds. "He will get it (knockout) for sure. I can say less than six rounds."
In the featured bout of the slambang show bankolled by ALA Promotions in association with ABS-CBN Sports, IBF Intercontinental super bantamweight champion ‘Prince’ Albert Pagara (22-0, 15KOs) wants an all-out war against Mexican veteran Rodolfo ‘Fofo’ Hernandez (26-5, 24KOs).
"I wish he would go and brawl with me in the center of the ring," said Pagara. "If he will do that, then he will fall like a tree." (FREEMAN)