Philippines, 01 May 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Can Donnie Nietes Outbox Waseem to Claim IBO 118 World July 22 in Dubai?


PhilBoxing.com





The ever popular Filipino former 4-division world champion Donnie "Ahas" Nietes, one of the most gifted and successful tacticians in Pinoy boxing, keeps on training ahead of his crucial incoming battle against tough Pakistani warrior former world title challenger Muhammad Waseem.

The two veteran fighters will clash for the vacant IBO bantamweight world title in an IBO world title double header show set for July 22 in "The City of Gold:" Dubai, U.A.E.

The smiling and friendly Donnie "Ahas" Nietes (43-2-6, 23 KOs) of Murchia, Negros Occidental - a former ALA star and one of the most durable boxers in Filipino boxing - has been away from the ring for over a year since losing by points his rematch against reigning Super Flyweight World champion star Kazuto Ioka (30-2-1 15 KO's), but he has gone back to the gym, getting in the very best shape possible ahead of his July 22 war.

Meanwhile, Muhammad "Falcon" Waseem (12-2, 8 KOs) has been out of action since March of last year when he lost by points to unbeaten Briton IBF flyweight champion Sunny Edwards (20-0, 4 KO's), a fight that also happened in Dubai.

Waseem - who is almost 36 - feels that he's catching the 41-year Nietes at the right time, a time when Donnie does not seem the same effective and slick boxer he once was.

Is Waseem right? Or does Donnie still have enough in the tank for him?

"I have made a game plan, and will box Nietes, InshaAllah," says Waseem.

“Nietes has been a tough fighter. There is no doubt about it. But his last fights have not been that good. I know how to fight against Donnie in what could be a very crucial fight for me," added the strong Waseem.

Regardless of what Waseem thinks, could Donnie, a superbly talented technical boxer, owner of slick moves, a good jab and experience, out-smart and out-box the younger Waseem in a similar way in which Sunny Edwards did to him last year?

It is not too wild to think that Nietes might want to follow the same successful gameplan that Sunny used, which is jab on Wassem, land on him, move and keep on using smart boxing.

The question is: Does Donnie still have the legs, stamina and strength to handle a younger coming-forward bull as good as the world-class Pakistani fighter?

Here are the opinions of some fans that commented on my social media:

Adolfo Loayon "Good luck Donnie the legend! Ikaw lang nakakaalam sa kondisyon katawan mo."

Aki Ning Calabagas: "Kaya lang yan ni Nietes experience lang ang gagamitin nya jan."

Botch Atiruz: "One last dance for our country.. Gaya ni Nonito... Laban Pilipinas Puso!!!! Kaya paya."

Belleza John Singson: "Bakit pla Ang tagal ni nietes bgo lumaban?katulad ni Melindo."

Tim Saint-Riviera: "Easy fight for Nietes."

Genaro Panes: "Una lng malakas yung pakistani na yan pag hindi nya ma ko si nietes sa five rounds panalo si nietes sa puntos."

Edwin A. Lapitan: "Donnie has done his duty for his country, and has made all Pinoys proud. Like Paquiao, he has already passed his prime and must no longer fight as it is too risky for his age, (with risk of) acquiring a severe or permanent injury. He (Nietes) can just train those he sees with potential to become world beaters, like himself in the future. Just my opinion."

Humble Arvin: "Donnie Nietes for the win, 10K."

Paul Asesor: "Nietes will get this. The veteran knows HOW TO SNATCH IBO BELT."

Jun Soriano: "God bless and give the victory (to) Donnie!

Janny Delfin Tomesa: "Good luck idol/coach👊👊👊"

Larivic Tulang: "Hindi layo ang edad nila Nietes 41, Waseem 36, anvantage kay Nietes experienced."

Robert Revilla: "Go idol. Wagkang mag pa hiya.sa iyong kababayan Pinoy."

Ruben Gamale: "Go go go Idol. Praying for the win."

"Donnie Nietes vs Muhammad Waseem" for the IBO Bantamweight World Title is a production of "Disrupt Promotions," a newly-formed boxing promotion outfit based in Dubai, United Araba Emirates.

If Donnie wins, he would become a 5-division world champion. How about that!

Good luck Donnie, May the Best Man Win!!!


The author of this story is veteran boxing writer Carlos Costa of Panama. Carlos can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com.


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


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Zurdo Ramirez vs Benavidez (Fight Analysis)
    By Ralph Rimpell, , Fri, 01 May 2026
  • WOLVERHAMPTON FIGHT WEEK FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE: EVERYTHING THAT WAS SAID AS WALKER AND EGGINGTON GET SET FOR SHOWDOWN
    , Fri, 01 May 2026
  • VARGAS AND WHITTAKER AIM TO SHINE ON HUGE ZAYAS-BOOTS BROOKLYN STAGE
    , Fri, 01 May 2026
  • Ariza warns don’t underestimate Floyd
    By Joaquin Henson, , Fri, 01 May 2026
  • Weights From ‘Erdenebat vs. Breedy’ Event from Live! Casino Hotel Maryland & Broadcast Live on ProBoxTV
    , Fri, 01 May 2026
  • José "Chegui" Torres Award ceremony on May 2 in Ponce, Puerto Rico
    , Fri, 01 May 2026
  • Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani Look Awesome During Today's Presscon; Ready for Saturday's Historic Tokyo Dome Showdown!
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • Santig is IBF Promoter for Asia 2025
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • Jerusalem Arrives Early in Johannesburg Ahead of May 16 Title Defense
    , Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • Confirmed Mayhem: Casimero vs Nery June 6 in Japan! (Long Analysis)
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • Vicelles is OPBF light fly champ
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • WBC Commemorative belt ¨Tollan Tlatequi¨ at stake on Benavidez-Ramirez super fight
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • Toro’s Talented Trio of Prospects Fighting in Mexico on May 15th
    , Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • CONAH WALKER READY FOR AN ALL-OUT WAR AGAINST MIDLANDS RIVAL SAM EGGINGTON IN HIS HOMETOWN WOLVERHAMPTON – LIVE ON DAZN
    , Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • IBA.PRO Champions Night in Saint Petersburg postponed due to unforeseen circumstances
    , Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • 20th Philippine Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) Open on May 1
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • MELBOURNE FIGHT NIGHT RESULTS
    , Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • Vicelles Decisions Diaz, Claims OPBF 108-lb Belt in Japan
    By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 29 Apr 2026
  • Stars feted at Pacquiao/Elorde Awards Night
    By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 29 Apr 2026
  • Magramo banners Blow-By-Blow show
    , Wed, 29 Apr 2026
  • IBA Bare Knuckle сard сonfirmed for St. Petersburg: IBA.PRO Champions Night
    , Wed, 29 Apr 2026
  • Magramo excited to fight Rementizo for new PBO title
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 29 Apr 2026
  • Angel “AK-47” Barrientes Dominates Luis Espinoza with Shutout Victory in Las Vegas
    , Wed, 29 Apr 2026
  • Manangquil is again Manager of the Year
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 29 Apr 2026
  • World Boxing confirms details of AIN procedure that will allow boxers from Russia and Belarus to take part in its competitions
    , Wed, 29 Apr 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.