Donnie Nietes, the former world minimumweight champion who vac-ated the World Boxing Organization 115-lb throne rather than face compatriot Aston Palicte in a rematch, won?t be returning to the ring anytime soon.
?We?re going to wait for the result of the fights involving the division?s big names,? said Nietes trainer Edito Villamor on Monday from Cebu City, homebase of the 36-year-old Nietes.
Villamor is referring to Thailand Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Mexican Juan Francisco Estrada, who meet on April 26 for Sor Rungvisai?s World Boxing Council title.
Another title fight down the road will feature World Boxing Association titlist Khalid Yafai of England against Norbelto Jimenez of the Dominican Republic. The WBA has ordered both sides to begin negotiations.
The International Boxing Federation ruler, Jerwin Ancajas, is not on Nietes? radar screen. Ancajas is booked to make a mandatory defense against Ryuichi Funai of Japan on May 4 in Stockton, California.
Admitting that the decision to vacate was heartbreaking, Nietes insists there is no point in facing Palicte.
With Nietes vacating, Palicte will fight for the vacant crown probably against unbeaten Jeyvier Cintron of Puerto Rico or Kazuto Ioka of Japan.
