NIETES PREDICTS KO WIN FOR PACQUIAO

CEBU ? Just like any other fight fan, WBO junior flyweight world champion Donnie ?Ahas? Nietes is excited about the upcoming superfight between his countryman Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather.

?Pacquiao can knock out Mayweather,? Nietes told this writer after his Saturday sparring session at the ALA Gym BTC.

?Pacquiao is very focused for this fight. He can catch Mayweather and there is a good chance he?ll knock him out. Pacquiao will be in his best shape for this fight.? Nietes said.

Nietes and Pacquiao, who has the WBO welterweight title, are the only two Filipinos who have world title belts in any of the four major sanctioning bodies. Pacquiao will also be going after Mayweather?s WBC and WBA crowns in their eagerly anticipated mega-bout on May 2 in Las Vegas.

Nietes (34-1-4,20KO?s) on the other hand, will be defending his title against Gilberto Parra (19-2,17KO?s) of Mexico in the main event PINOY PRIDE 30:D-Day on March 28 at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Nietes had a torrid sparring session with Virgel Vitor inside the Banilad Town Center branch of the ALA gym (top photo). The workout was open to the public and members of the media. Nonito Donaire sparring with Japanese Ryo Akaho was the highlight of the afternoon.

Nietes is the longest reigning Filipino world champion and is also recognized by Ring magazine as the lineal world champion in the 108lb division.