WBO Asia Pacific minimum weight champion Donnie Nietes who is ranked No. 2 in the world may get a crack at the WBO title should Ivan Calderon move up in weight as he indicated after his 12th successful title defense against Ronald Barrios on Saturday.
Calderon who won by a split decision has had problems making the weight and has plans of moving up which means the title will be vacant.
Well known boxing promoter and manager Sammy Gello-ani told Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today that when he is in Las Vegas for “The World Awaits” fight card in which emerging Filipino ring sensations Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista and AJ “Bazooka” Banal will see action, he will discuss the possibility of a title shot for Nietes.
The current top contender is Oleydong Sithsamerchai of Thailand who is scheduled to fight for the WBC title currently held by Japan-based Thai Eagle Kyowa. Oleydong earned the title shot following his victory over Omar Soto in a title eliminator last April 6.. The No. 3 ranked fighter at present is Juan Palacios, nicknamed “El Exterminador” of Nicaragua. Gello-ani said a bout for the vacant title should Calderon relinquish his crown would almost surely take place between Nietes and Palacios.
Palacios has a ring record of 23-2 with 18 knockouts while Nietes boasts of a 20-1-3, 12 knockouts slate. Nietes is 24 years old while Palacios is 26.
Comments
Share your thoughts on the above article by Ronnie Nathanielsz.