IT?S 3:30 p.m. inside the fabled ALA Gym. My dark blue slacks and long-sleeved shirt is certainly not the prescribed attire in this world-class training center but I eschew changing into something more comfortable as I am running on borrowed time.
I bumped into the prolific pair of Salven Lagumbay and Dong Secuya who eagerly greeted me with handshakes and beaming smiles.
I was looking for Donnie Nietes (21-1, 13 KOs) who is set to take center stage this Saturday as he battles undefeated Pornsawan Kratingdaenggym (20-0, 15KOs) for the WBO minimunweight crown.
Judging from the aggressive, fearless fighter who drapes his pet python around his shoulders during ring entrances, I was expecting a brash and confident pug, eager to lay claim to the honor of being the first world champion from the ALA Gym.
Instead, I find a quiet, unassuming kid peering from the corner with his hand wraps on, while teammate Michael Domingo punishes the mitts with trainer Edito Villamor.
This middle child of a photographer and a housewife from Bacolod City sits beside me and is at first a bit hesitant to answer my queries.
But he soon relents and his piercing eyes brighten up when he recalls the time the grand patron of Cebu boxing, Antonio L. Aldeguer finally agreed to take him under his wing.
Aldeguer himself opines that this is a great opportunity for Donnie as both he and his opponent are virtually unknown commodities in the world boxing limelight but are in a position to win a world championship.
Donnie refers to his mental state now as a state of pure excitement as he can?t wait to get into the ring. Here?s what I gathered.
What are you focusing now that you are just a few days away from the big fight?
More on conditioning and making the weight. No more sparring for me to prevent possible injuries.
What is your typical day like?
I wake up in the morning around 5:30 a.m., run for 45 minutes to an hour. Then I have a breakfast of oatmeal, eggs and papaya. Afterwards, I get some rest until lunchtime. Then I do some light training in the afternoon which includes some shadow boxing, mitts, etc.
Who have you been sparring with?
Federico Catubay who competes at 115 pounds, and Milan Melindo.
Who are your favorite boxers?
I like Oscar dela Hoya, Roy Jones Jr. Floyd Mayweather and Miguel Cotto. Among our local boxers, my uncle Dan Nietes and Malcolm Tu?acao.
Who will accompany you to the ring?
Aside from my trainers and corner men, my pet python Don who is 1 year and 2 months old.
What your most painful memory in boxing?
When I lost in Indonesia to Angky Angkota via split decision. I felt I hurt him and I should have won the fight. Had the fight been held here, I surely would have won.
What do you think of Manny playing basketball while training?
I think that?s not a problem as long as he?s happy and comfortable with it.
What do you think will be your advantage coming in to this fight?
I think I have the size advantage and I am more mobile with my footwork.
The Last Round is predicting Donnie to win via knockout in the ninth round. Pythons like to crush their prey first before swallowing.
THE LAST ROUND. It?s on the sales reps of Zuellig Pharma who are avid readers of this column. Cheers guys!
