Philippines, 25 Feb 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Donnie Nietes Set to Fight Norbelto Jiménez for WBA-115 Eliminator on Dec 11 in Dubai


PhilBoxing.com




In less than a month, the ever-popular Filipino 4-division world champion Donnie Nietes (43-1-5, 23 KO's) of Murcia, Negros Occidental, will be climbing the ring for his upcoming crucial battle against WBA world-ranked Dominican Republic 115-pounder Norbelto "Meneito" Jiménez (30-9-5, 16 KO's) on Saturday, December 11, at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The info was revealed today by Nietes' promoter, Probellum, the boxing promotion and media company owned by Swiss man of boxing Richard Schaefer, former Golden Boy Promotions CEO.

The clash could not be more vital for the pro boxing careers of veteran master-tactician Donnie "Ahas" Nietes, 39, as well as for the younger, former 2-time world title challenger "Meneito" Jiménez as their 12-rounder battle is a WBA Super Flyweight Eliminator; the winner becoming mandatory challenger to one of the WBA Super Flyweight world titles.

Those WBA 115-lbs world marbles currently belong to super popular Juan Francisco "El Gallo" Estrada of Sonora, México (WBA 115 super champion), and by Mexican-American Joshua "El Professor" Franco of San Antonio, Texas (WBA 115 regular flyweight champion).

In theory, one of these two champions might be defending against the winner of the Nietes-Jiménez rumble, and if that should happen, against who? Time will tell, and that's why this coming Dec 11 eliminator fight must be won at all costs.


Donnie 'Ahas' Nietes.

Nietes, one of the most successful and beloved Filipino boxers in modern history, will be returning to Dubai after outclassing Colombian Pablo "El Trencito" Carrillo (26-8-1, 17 KO's) last April at the plush Caesar's Palace Dubai.

Meanwhile, Jimenez, 30, currently ranked by the WBA as the #4 super flyweight in world, has been the 115-pound national champion of his Caribbean country rich in paradise beaches, the Dominican Republic.

He has also been a world title challenger to former British world champion Khalid Yafai (26-1, 15 KO's), losing by points. ​

What’s more, some years ago, the Dominican Republic fighter scored a draw against then world champion Kohei Kono in Tokyo. Fans can be sure that “Meneito” Jiménez does not lack experience and does not lack class, nor hunger, for victory.


Nobelto 'Meneito' Jimenez.

In addition, Jiménez is also returning to “The City of Gold,” Dubai, the awesome capital of the United Arab Emirates where he waged a hard-fought draw against unbeaten world-ranked Nigerian warrior Aliu Bamidele Lasisi (15-0-1, 8 KO's).

Jiménez’s last combat was a year ago, a win by points over Nicaraguan Marvin Solano (24-7, 8 KO’s) in Santo Domingo.

Norbelto Jimenez is nicknamed by fans in his country as "Meneito" (which means "Little Wiggle"), because he joyfully dances in the ring after scoring a win. However it is unknown if he will be dancing after his clash against Nietes.

Indeed, he will be having a tough road ahead, a hard new mission against Donnie Nietes, the experienced, effective, successful Pinoy boxer, a man of slick moves, ring-smart, physical endurance and heart.

Sure not an easy rumble for either of the two combatants, each of them more-than willing to score the win so as to challenge for the 115 world title once again.

The promoter for this exciting collision in “The City of Gold” is Probellum, whose president Richard Schaefer recently said:

“We’re happy to welcome such an illustrious boxer like Donnie Nietes to the workforce.”

“Nietes has already gained world titles in 4 divisions, making him a real legend of the game; and we are proud to now be working collectively as we glance to assist him declare world honors once more within the close future.”


Nietes (C) is pictured here after winning over Japanese star Kazuto Ioka in Macau in December, 2018 with his former team at ALA Promotions and Philippine media memebers.

This hot Dec 11 event in Dubai is headlined by Nietes’s fellow Visayan world-class fighter, John Riel Casimero, defending his 118-pound world title against tough British challenger "The Baby Face Assassin" Paul Butler (33-2, 15 KO's) of Cheshire, England.

Also featured is exciting unbeaten Filipino Jayson Mama (16-0, 8 KO's) of Gensan, challenging for the world title against British defending IBF Flyweight world champion Sunny Edwards (16-0, 4 KO's) of London.

Best of luck to Donnie, Casimero and Mama, I pray that they'll bring home the bacon!

The author Carlos Costa is a veteran fight reporter with a lifetime passion for the sport of boxing. Carlos can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.com and whatsapp/viber 09184538152.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Return of Ryan Garcia
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • “It’s moments a kid dreams off.” Sam Rennie returns for title challenge March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
    , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • ‘It’s going to be a great fight and most importantly looking forward to the 10 pints together after it’ Billy Quinncroft challenges for Cruiserweight title March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
    , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • Magdalena Contreras Municipality and WBC start "Boxing for Peace" in Mexico
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • United States Captures Four More Wins on Day Two of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
    , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • Date set for Manny-Money 2
    By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • Knockout Artist Sugar Martinez (17-0, 17 KOs) Makes His US Debut Against Philly Veteran Daiyan Butt
    , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • IM Yap outwits GM Gareyev, shares lead; Maribao split the point with GM Quizon in Round 3 of the Manny Pacquiao International Open chess
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • 2 Division World Champion José Luis Castillo Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
    , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • Doors open for Manny
    By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • MEXICAN TITANS GO HEAD-TO-HEAD HIGHLIGHTING CINCO DE MAYO WEEKEND IN LAS VEGAS!
    , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Alex Bray and Gabriela Tellez Capture WBA Titles, Dainier Pero Scores Impressive Stoppage at “Night of Champions XIV” in Orlando
    , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Cebuana Lhuillier Gems Officially Join Inaugural Pickle Yard Conference League
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • ADAMES AND AMMO CLASH FOR WORLD TITLE IN ORLANDO ON MARCH 21
    , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Filipino Alexis Emil Maribao shocks Indonesian Grandmaster Susanto Megaranto in the Manny Pacquiao International Open Chess opener
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Team USA Notches Perfect Day to Open 77th International Strandja Boxing Tournament
    , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Floyd Mayweather Vs. Manny Pacquiao Set for Blockbuster Professional Rematch Streaming Live Globally on Netflix Saturday, September 19
    , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Zulueta, Bactol, Dologuin, Almacen Score Knockout Wins in Thailand (PHOTOS)
    By Carlos Costa, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Francisco wins PBF flyweight title
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • San Diego’S Boxing Stars Julius Ballo and Jonny Mansour to Headline the Inaugural Edition of Sd Fight Night on April 18, 2026, at Frontwave Arena
    , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Influencer Brooklyn Barwick Fighting for NBA Americas title
    , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Integrated Sports to distribute ‘The MGM Slam Presented by Capital One PPV’ on Sunday, March 1 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas
    , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • 125 climbers reach Mt. Apo in Sta. Cruz
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Opening Round Bouts Set for Team USA at 77th International Strandja Boxing Tournament
    , Mon, 23 Feb 2026
  • Jean Henri Lhuillier Expresses Pride as Cebuana Lhuillier-Backed Blu Girls Secure Wild Card Entry to WBSC World Cup
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 23 Feb 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.