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Philippines, 23 Nov 2025 |
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RAYITO GARCIA AND DONNIE NIETES, A GOOD MATCH UP By Jonathan Davis PhilBoxing.com Tue, 06 Jan 2009  Raul "Rayito" Garcia, the reigning IBF Mini Flyweight world champion from Mexico, who dethroned the Philippines' Florante "Little Pacquiao" Condes, fights a lot like WBO Minimum weight world champion Donnie Nietes of the world famed ALA Gym of Cebu City, Philippines. I witnessed how Rayito Garcia, methodically wore down Venezuelan Jose Luis "Olympico" Varela in his second defense of the IBF title in Loreto, Baja, California Sur, Mexico last December 13, 2008, as one of the judges. Like Donnie Nietes, he makes a lot of lateral movements while throwing bunches of combinations to overwhelm his foe. But while Donnie Nietes has the better handspeed, sharper sniping accuracy and heavier punches, I would give the edge to Rayito Garcia in stamina and stronger finishing power. In his last few fights that I was privileged to have watched or judged, Donnie Nietes, the quiet and lesser known boxer among his batch from the ALA stable that included "Ray Boom Boom" Bautista, Czar Amonsot, AJ Banal, and Z Gorres, seemed to have improved tremendously, dispatching his opponets, mostly, Thais, early. However, some kinks in his armor finally showed when he fought for the WBO Minimum weight crown in September 2007 against Pornsawan Kratingdaenggym of Thailand, where he wilted under the incessant body punches and bulling tactics of the tough Thai contender. 
Rayito Garcia, left, in white jogging pants, Olimpico Varela in red trunks during weigh-in on the eve of their IBF 105 lbs. championship fight. Personally, I thought the fight was very close, and while the beaten Thai looked fresher at the end, the winner, Donnie Nietes had his gas tank emptied dry. He was the unlikeliest bet from the ALA Gym's favorite group of talented boxers to give the Aldeguers a world championship, and his feat endeared him to the country, especially, to the Cebuanos. How would he fare against his Mexican counterpart, IBF Champion Rayito Garcia in the same 105 lbs. weight division? It would be one very interesting match-up. An explosive starter in Donnie Nietes against a stong finisher in Rayito Garcia. Both are sharpshooters and pinpoint snipers. Rayito Garcia outlasted bullstrong Florante Condes for 12 rounds, with plenty to spare in winning the IBF crown by decision. On the other hand, Donnie Nietes, true to form, easily disposed of Latino Eddy Castro in the second round in defense of his WBO tiara. It is difficult to predict the winner, but one thing is sure, if this match becomes a reality, it will be a great fight and the fans will get their money's worth. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Jonathan Davis.  |
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