WINNING in Mexico against a Mexican is a daunting task and World Boxing Organization champion Donnie Nietes proved he has the skills and the determination to get the job done as he has already achieved it twice.
Last Sunday, he retained his world title against tough Mexican interim champion Manuel Vargas.
“It was a hard fight. Winning in Mexico is no joke,” said ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer yesterday during the homecoming and thanksgiving luncheon for Nietes, Z Gorres, AJ Banal and Mark Jason Melligen at the Patio Isabel restaurant.
Although Nietes isn’t as famous as his stable mates Banal, Gorres and Bautista, he achieved an amazing feat of defending his world championship belt twice in Mexico.
“I don’t think any other Filipino has done that, winning back-to-back world title defenses in Mexico,” said Aldeguer.
The other Filipino who successfully retained his world title in Mexico is retired boxer Luisito Espinosa in 1996.
Espinosa kept his World Boxing Council featherweight crown after stopping Mexican Alejandro Gonzales in the fourth round in Guadalajara, Mexico.
“It was a close fight. I can’t ask for more. To win in Mexico is something that we are proud of,” said Aldeguer.
In his first defense in Mexico, the 27-year-old Nietes won by unanimous decision over challenger Erik Ramirez last Feb. 28.
He downed Ramirez four times in that defense.
He then escaped a close split decision against Vargas in his second fight in Mexico last Sunday.
Determined to win, Nietes said that he set his eyes on his goal—to retain his world title—and never lost composure despite the loud cheers of the Mexican fans.
Nietes has no problems making the weight in his current division and he plans to defend his title for as long as he can.
He is also willing to unify the world titles if given the chance.
“If there’s an offer for a unification fight (we’ll take it).
He’s a guy that doesn’t back out of challenges,” said Aldeguer.
Aldeguer is working on Nietes’ next title defense. The Cebuano promoter plans to hold Nietes’ next fight either in December or January in Manila, possibly along with International Boxing Federation light flyweight king Brian Viloria.
On the other hand, Gorres and Melligen are scheduled to see action on Nov. 13 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
However, ALA Promotions is still working on inserting Gorres in the Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto superfight, possibly against interim World Boxing Organization bantamweight champion Eric Morel.
