Donnie Nietes and Komgrich Nantapech battle for the vacant IBF world flyweight championship
Filipino boxing star Donnie “Ahas” Nietes looks to join some elite company as he sets his sights on world title number three when he takes on Thailand’s Komgrich Nantapech for the vacant IBF world flyweight championship at Pinoy Pride 40: Domination, Saturday at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Cebu.
Already with the distinction of being the longest reigning Filipino boxing world champion, Nietes tries to become only the third Filipino boxer in history to win a world championship in three different weight divisions, the two others being Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire Jr.
After basically clearing out the light flyweight division, Nietes made the jump to flyweight in 2016, dominating Edgar Sosa in his debut at 112-pounds. His stellar performance immediately put him as the third ranked flyweight contender in the IBF, and when fellow Pinoy boxer Johnriel Casimero made the decision to move up in weight and vacate the title, Nietes got the call.
Now, he takes on number four ranked contender Nantapech, who’s coming in with an impressive 15-fight winning streak. The 27-year old Thai may have the advantage in youth, but Nietes has made it clear that he’s out to prove that his age won’t be a factor come Saturday night.
Also on the card, ALA Boxing Gym standout and up-and-coming prospect Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo faces Issa “Peche Boy” Nampepeche of Tanzania in a ten-round featherweight contest.
At 15-0, Magsayo wants to prove that he’s ready for bigger names and bigger fights, and a perfect way to do that is with an impressive win over Nampepeche. The 22-year old Tanzanian is far from a pushover however, as he has the advantage in experience, already with 35 bouts to his name.
In a featured fight, another ALA Boxing Gym prospect looks to introduce himself, as Jeo “Santino” Santisima faces Indonesia’s Master Suro in a 10-round super bantamweight affair.
Along with the likes of Magsayo and KJ Cataraja, Santisima is believed to be the next batch of stars to come out of the ALA Boxing stable in Cebu. The 20-year old already boasts a 12-2 professional record with eleven wins coming via KO. A regular during Pinoy Pride undercards, Santisima gets his big chance to shine in the main card of Pinoy Pride 40.
Complete Pinoy Pride 40 Fight Card
IBF Flyweight Championship: Donnie Nietes vs. Komgrich Nantapech
Featherweight: Mark Magsayo vs. Issa Nampepeche
Super Bantamweight: Jeo Santisima vs. Master Suro
Super Bantamweight: Virgel Vitor vs. Michael Escobia
Flyweight: Junrel Jimenez vs. Romulo Ramayan
Super Flyweight: Kenneth Gentallan vs. John Kenan Villaflor
Flyweight: Esneth Domingo vs. Ramil Antaran
Flyweight: Christian Bacolod vs. Mike Kinaadman
