IT?S not very often that Donnie Nietes will boldly predict a knockout.
In fact, if my overly caffeinated brain still serves me right, I don?t ever recall a single instance that he predicted a stoppage victory.
The humble, unassuming 2-division champion usually espouses the usual polite fighter rhetoric about giving it his best shot and getting the knockout if the opportunity presents itself.
But no, at the press conference to launch Pinoy Pride 40 this coming April 29, ?Ahas? was emphatic about getting the knockout though he respectfully wavered on which round he would get it.
OPPONENT. Donnie (39-1, 22 KOs) will be facing Komgrich Nantapetch of Thailand who has a record of 22 wins, 3 losses and 15 knockouts.
This fight will be for the vacant IBF flyweight crown and if Nietes wins he will join Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire as the only Pinoy boxing champions to win titles in at least three weight divisions.
Now it could be that ? Ahas? is just so pumped up at this opportunity for another milestone that he has allowed himself a little room for some bravado to pump himself up for the occasion.
Of course it could also be that Nantapetch -as admirable as his record might suggest- hasn?t really been in there with top notch opposition and this has given Donnie that extra layer of confidence.
Or it could be a hybrid of both.
What does it matter anyway? I, for one, think it?s about time that Donnie strut his abilities and parlay these into career defining fights.
At age 34, time is not a luxury and I don?t mind our ?Ahas? having that extra snarl about him which would give that added dimension and character to a very talented fighter at his prime.
TEPORA. Undefeated Jack Tepora is fast distinguishing himself apart from local boxing?s bric-a-brac.
Tepora, who will turn 24 years old on April 8, is undefeated in 19 fights and has an impressive 74-percent knockout percentage having stopped 14 of his foes, including the last three.
He is looking to extend that knockout streak when he takes on Yon Amed of Indonesia in the main event of the ?Who?s Next? Pro Boxing Series 4? for his first defense of the World Boxing Organization Oriental junior featherweight bantamweight title at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino this Saturday.
Hope to see you there!
VERBATIM. ?Mayweather would have to dismiss him as a threat. He?d have to not train hard enough, he?d have to not seriously consider the possibility that Conor connects on him and knocks him out?
-UFC commentator Joe Rogan on how Conor McGregor could beat Floyd Mayweather Jr. (MMAFIGHTING.com)
LAST ROUND. It?s on Mr. Ramon Lim who celebrates his birthday today. Cheers!
