Philippines, 17 Feb 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Donnie Nietes Set to Fight Norbelto Jiménez for WBA-115 Eliminator on Dec 11 in Dubai


PhilBoxing.com




In less than a month, the ever-popular Filipino 4-division world champion Donnie Nietes (43-1-5, 23 KO's) of Murcia, Negros Occidental, will be climbing the ring for his upcoming crucial battle against WBA world-ranked Dominican Republic 115-pounder Norbelto "Meneito" Jiménez (30-9-5, 16 KO's) on Saturday, December 11, at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The info was revealed today by Nietes' promoter, Probellum, the boxing promotion and media company owned by Swiss man of boxing Richard Schaefer, former Golden Boy Promotions CEO.

The clash could not be more vital for the pro boxing careers of veteran master-tactician Donnie "Ahas" Nietes, 39, as well as for the younger, former 2-time world title challenger "Meneito" Jiménez as their 12-rounder battle is a WBA Super Flyweight Eliminator; the winner becoming mandatory challenger to one of the WBA Super Flyweight world titles.

Those WBA 115-lbs world marbles currently belong to super popular Juan Francisco "El Gallo" Estrada of Sonora, México (WBA 115 super champion), and by Mexican-American Joshua "El Professor" Franco of San Antonio, Texas (WBA 115 regular flyweight champion).

In theory, one of these two champions might be defending against the winner of the Nietes-Jiménez rumble, and if that should happen, against who? Time will tell, and that's why this coming Dec 11 eliminator fight must be won at all costs.


Donnie 'Ahas' Nietes.

Nietes, one of the most successful and beloved Filipino boxers in modern history, will be returning to Dubai after outclassing Colombian Pablo "El Trencito" Carrillo (26-8-1, 17 KO's) last April at the plush Caesar's Palace Dubai.

Meanwhile, Jimenez, 30, currently ranked by the WBA as the #4 super flyweight in world, has been the 115-pound national champion of his Caribbean country rich in paradise beaches, the Dominican Republic.

He has also been a world title challenger to former British world champion Khalid Yafai (26-1, 15 KO's), losing by points. ​

What’s more, some years ago, the Dominican Republic fighter scored a draw against then world champion Kohei Kono in Tokyo. Fans can be sure that “Meneito” Jiménez does not lack experience and does not lack class, nor hunger, for victory.


Nobelto 'Meneito' Jimenez.

In addition, Jiménez is also returning to “The City of Gold,” Dubai, the awesome capital of the United Arab Emirates where he waged a hard-fought draw against unbeaten world-ranked Nigerian warrior Aliu Bamidele Lasisi (15-0-1, 8 KO's).

Jiménez’s last combat was a year ago, a win by points over Nicaraguan Marvin Solano (24-7, 8 KO’s) in Santo Domingo.

Norbelto Jimenez is nicknamed by fans in his country as "Meneito" (which means "Little Wiggle"), because he joyfully dances in the ring after scoring a win. However it is unknown if he will be dancing after his clash against Nietes.

Indeed, he will be having a tough road ahead, a hard new mission against Donnie Nietes, the experienced, effective, successful Pinoy boxer, a man of slick moves, ring-smart, physical endurance and heart.

Sure not an easy rumble for either of the two combatants, each of them more-than willing to score the win so as to challenge for the 115 world title once again.

The promoter for this exciting collision in “The City of Gold” is Probellum, whose president Richard Schaefer recently said:

“We’re happy to welcome such an illustrious boxer like Donnie Nietes to the workforce.”

“Nietes has already gained world titles in 4 divisions, making him a real legend of the game; and we are proud to now be working collectively as we glance to assist him declare world honors once more within the close future.”


Nietes (C) is pictured here after winning over Japanese star Kazuto Ioka in Macau in December, 2018 with his former team at ALA Promotions and Philippine media memebers.

This hot Dec 11 event in Dubai is headlined by Nietes’s fellow Visayan world-class fighter, John Riel Casimero, defending his 118-pound world title against tough British challenger "The Baby Face Assassin" Paul Butler (33-2, 15 KO's) of Cheshire, England.

Also featured is exciting unbeaten Filipino Jayson Mama (16-0, 8 KO's) of Gensan, challenging for the world title against British defending IBF Flyweight world champion Sunny Edwards (16-0, 4 KO's) of London.

Best of luck to Donnie, Casimero and Mama, I pray that they'll bring home the bacon!

The author Carlos Costa is a veteran fight reporter with a lifetime passion for the sport of boxing. Carlos can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.com and whatsapp/viber 09184538152.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 16 FEBRUARY 2026: Ajagba, Dzambekov, Ruiz Register Stoppage Wins in Zuffa Event
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 17 Feb 2026
  • Mexican government and WBC join forces to create mega-project “Boxing for Peace”
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 17 Feb 2026
  • All eyes on GM Johan-Sebastian Christiansen in Manny Pacquiao International Open dubbed as 87th Kalilangan Chess Festival 2026
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 17 Feb 2026
  • WBC Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios Locked in for Ryan Garcia Showdown February 21 at T-Mobile Arena
    , Tue, 17 Feb 2026
  • Dana White mocks traditional boxing promoters: "No contest, it's like hitting babies"
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 17 Feb 2026
  • LEIGH WOOD OUTLINES PLAN OF ATTACK FOR SOLD OUT REMATCH AGAINST JOSH WARRINGTON
    , Tue, 17 Feb 2026
  • Cain Velasquez released from a California State prison
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 17 Feb 2026
  • Patrick Rivera wins Pacman's Cue Club 10-Ball Tournament; pockets P100,000
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 17 Feb 2026
  • Undefeated Brooklyn heavyweight Pryce Taylor Fighting again in Detroit this Sunday on Claressa Shields’ card
    , Tue, 17 Feb 2026
  • TRAINING CAMP NOTES Gabriela Tellez Ready to Make a Statement This Friday in Orlando
    , Tue, 17 Feb 2026
  • Rapista wins WBC Far East Silver super flyweight title
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 16 Feb 2026
  • IM Christian Gian Karlo Tade-Arca faces tough competition in Manny Pacquiao International Open dubbed as 87th Kalilangan Chess Festival 2026
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 16 Feb 2026
  • Efe Ajagba vs Charles Martin: Zuffa Heavyweights Square Off on Sunday
    By Chris Carlson, , Sun, 15 Feb 2026
  • “The Nightmare” Back in Action: Oguni vs Tapales April 3 in Japan
    By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 15 Feb 2026
  • Cold Comfort: Tapales and Vitor Frozen Out in Moscow Heartbreaker
    By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 14 Feb 2026
  • WBC Celebrates 63 years of dedication to the sports and fighters
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 14 Feb 2026
  • BOXING STARS FROM AROUND THE WORLD LINING UP FOR 2026 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND IN "BOXING’S HOMETOWN"
    , Sat, 14 Feb 2026
  • Filipino Boxers Make Weight in Brico Santig's Valentine's Show in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 14 Feb 2026
  • Filipinos Vitor and Tapales Take on Russians for IBF Asia Titles in Moscow Today
    By Dong Secuya, , Fri, 13 Feb 2026
  • Manny Pacquiao Promotions Returns to Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. with a Pair of World Championship Bouts
    , Fri, 13 Feb 2026
  • IOAN CROFT AND GARAN CROFT SIGN FOR MATCHROOM BOXING AS EDDIE HEARN LOOKS AHEAD TO BRIGHT FUTURE FOR EXCITING WELSH TWINS
    , Fri, 13 Feb 2026
  • 3 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
    , Fri, 13 Feb 2026
  • Day One Concludes at 2026 USA Boxing International Open
    , Thu, 12 Feb 2026
  • Female Boxing GOAT Katie Taylor to be Special guest at All-N.E. Golden Gloves Thursday, Feb. 12, in Lowell, MA
    , Thu, 12 Feb 2026
  • Brandon McCarthy Signs with Wise Owl Boxing, Set to Make Noise at 135 lbs
    , Thu, 12 Feb 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.