CEBU, Philippines ? Already in top shape entering the final phase of his training camp, WBO light flyweight champion Donnie ‘Ahas’ Nietes (35-1, 21KOs) is primed and ready to defend his title against Mexican mandatory challenger Francisco ‘Chihuas’ Rodriguez (17-2, 11KOs) in the main event of ‘Pinoy Pride 30: Clash of the World Champions’ on July 11 at the Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
?I can say I am now 80 to 90 percent ready for this fight),? said Nietes, who looked terrific in a three-round public workout against his ALA stablemate Raul Yu at the ALA Fitness Gym in Banilad Town Centre the other day.
Nietes, the longest reigning Filipino world champion who is unbeaten for 11 years now, impressed his fans with his speed and strength in battering the much younger Yu.
So far, the pride of Murcia, Negros Occidental has logged in over a hundred rounds of sparring. He is dead serious not only in winning but also in avenging the loss of his comrade Merlito ‘Tiger’ Sabillo to the cocky Mexican champ, who stopped Sabillo in round nine to snatch the WBO minimumweight crown two years ago.
Aside from Yu, Nietes has also sparred with taller and heavier sparmates in the mold of Virgil Vitor and former world title challenger Rocky Fuentes.
Nietes couldn?t underestimate Rodriguez, but the ALA Gym stalwart has full trust in his preparation especially that he is also working with renowned boxing and mixed martial arts conditioning coach Nick Curson. Freeman ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:
?I already figured him (Rodriguez) out. I am sure of beating and knocking him out because my confidence level is high having trained for this fight since April,? Nietes said. ?I can’t tell what round, but I know I can (deliver a knockout).”
On the other hand, Nietes doesn?t believe that Rodriguez suffered an injury that was the reason why the fight had to be reset by one week from its original date of July 4. ?He is not injured, it?s ridiculous. He is just making it as excuse because I think he can?t make the weight.?
In the supporting main event, featherweight prospect Mark ‘Magnifico’ Magsayo (10-0, 8KOs) will take on the biggest challenge of his career as he battles the more experienced Mexican Rafael ‘Guerrito? Reyes (16-4, 12KOs) for the IBF Youth featherweight belt.
In the other feature of the slambang show co-presented by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports, former amateur standout Kevin Jake ?KJ? Catajara will have his baptism of fire in the pro ranks against Indonesian Ardi ?Predator? Tefa (6-4, 4KOs). (FREEMAN)
