With the home crowd in Cebu rooting for him, Donnie ?Ahas? Nietes is confident that he will be able to successfully defend his World Boxing Organization light flyweight title against Mexican Moises Fuentes tonight in Pinoy Pride XVIII: World Champion vs. World Champion at Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu .
In preparation for his second title defense, Nietes said he sparred with fellow ALA Gym boxers Milan Milendo and Jonreil Casimiro and spent time watch the replay of Fuentes’ previous fights.
The Negrense world boxing champion admitted that Fuentes is a good fighter as he currently holds the WBO minimum weight title.
Nietes held the same title for more than three years before he moved up in weight and dethroned Ramon Garcia Hirales in the light flyweight division.
While it is not his first time to fight before the Cebuano crowd, Nietes said tonight’s bout is the first time for him to stake his title against another world champion.
?I’ve seen the videos of his (Fuentes) previous fight and he is a strong puncher. But I prepared well for this fight?it is going to be a good fight,? Nietes said in the dialect.
Born and raised in Negros Occidental, Nietes honed his skills as a fighter as the ALA Gym in Cebu, owned by Antonio ?Bidoy?Aldeguer, who had passed on to his son, Michael, the management of the ALA Boxers, among them, Nietes.
In previous interviews, the elder Aldeguer said he believes in Nietes skills as a fighter and in his determination to succeed. He also likes Nietes down-to-earth attitude and considers the Negrense boxing champ as one of the best fighters ALA produced.
Going into tonight’s 12-round ring battle, the 30-year-old Nietes carries a record of 31 wins with 17 knockouts, one loss and three draws, while the 27-year-old Fuentes has won 16 with 8 knockouts and one loss.
Known for his powerful overhand right and well-placed punches, Nietes earned his moniker ?Ahas? due to his pet python that he has been carrying around during his boxing matches.*NAB
