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Philippines, 17 May 2026 |
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PINOY PRIDE XXXI: CLASH OF WORLD CHAMPIONS By Rene Bonsubre, Jr. PhilBoxing.com Mon, 18 May 2015  CEBU ? One of the more captivating match-ups in the lower weight divisions is set on July 4 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino. WBO and Ring magazine lineal junior flyweight world champion Donnie ?Ahas? Nietes will defend his title against former unified WBO/IBF minimumweight world champ Francisco Rodriguez, Jr of Mexico on the main event of the 31st offering of PINOY PRIDE. Rodriguez (17-2-1,11KO?s), who is the number one contender of the WBO, issued a public challenge to Nietes last November when he was here in Cebu. Nietes (35-1-4,21KO?s) never liked the idea of being confronted in his home turf. During the press launching of the event held today, the defending champ said he looks forward to facing Rodriguez who he labeled as ?hambugero? or being boastful. The 21 year old Rodriguez? plans to face Nietes was almost derailed when the Mexican was held to a split draw by Jomar Fajardo. Nietes on the other hand stopped another Mexican, Carlos Velarde in seven rounds in this same venue. Rodriguez had to face Fajardo in a rematch in Mexico and prevail by unanimous verdict. Rodriguez won his first title by dethroning Nietes' stablemate, Merlito Sabillo last March 22, 2014. He would capture the IBF belt by beating Katsunari Takayama of Japan in a unification bout. Nietes, who is also a former WBO minimumweight champ, is the longest reigning Filipino world champion. He has shown tremendous improvement even at 33 years of age and he described himself as similar to the local brew ?Tuba? which gets better with age, ?habang tumatagal, lalong sumasarap.? Nietes also said he keeps himself active in between fights by cycling and playing basketball. Trainer Edmund Villamor said that they are not taking Rodriguez for granted and are prepared for his style by watching his fight films. Set to make his own thunder on the undercard is top prospect Mark ?Magnifico? Magsayo (10-0, 8KO?s), who will be fighting for his first belt when he squares off against Mexico?s Rafael ?Guerrito? Reyes (16-4, 12KO?s). They are set for ten rounds for the IBF Youth featherweight title. Magsayo said that he has learned a lot from sparring with multi-division titlist Nonito Donaire. "I am not yet at his level," Magsayo said, "But I know if I work hard to improve and work on my flaws, I will improve." Magsayo said he is not yet at the level of a Lomachenko or Walters but he knows he will be there in the near future. ALA Promotions Pres and CEO Michael Aldeguer also announced the pro debut of one of best local amateurs, Kevin Jake ?KJ? Cataraja. Cataraja was brought to his attention by ALA gym patriarch Antonio Aldeguer who marveled at an 8 year old with superb skills and hand speed around ten years ago. Now, Cataraja will be making his entry into the pro ranks against a foreign foe, something unprecedented here in the Philippines. Another interesting fact is that Cataraja and Magsayo had a rivalry when they were amateurs.Cataraja said he has been thinking about turning pro for a while now but waited until he was nearing graduation. Also set to see action are name fighters Roli Gasca, Vic Saludar and Elmo Traya.  'PINOY PRIDE 31' (L-R) Kevin Jake (KJ) Cataraja, Mark Magsayo, ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer, Donnie Nietes and trainer Edmund Villamor. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..  |
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