THE ALA Gym has finally nailed the elusive world title with Donnie ?Ahas? Nietes winning the vacant WBO minimumweight title via unanimous decision over the erstwhile undefeated Pornsawan Kratengdaenggym of Thailand last night at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel Grand Ballroom.
It was sweet redemption for Cebu?s foremost boxing patron Antonio Lopez Aldeguer who has been denied a world title since he started dedicating his time to mold world caliber boxers two decades ago.
?I would like to thank the Lord for giving this title to me. In more than 20 years in boxing I had never lost faith but the most important thing I never gave up. All the credit goes to Donnie who worked hard to win this title. And I am happy, very happy. I never lost hope and this (title) is good for the boxers,? said the nearly teary-eyed Aldeguer after the decision was announced.
Judges Levi Martinez of the US scored, 115-11, Salven Lagumbay of the Philippines tallied, 116-110, and Sawaeng Tawekon of Thailand marked, 114-113, all for Nietes, who was nearly outsmarted by the bullying Pornsawan.
Nietes? win could also be the start of good things for the stable.
According to Mayor Dan Neri Lim of Tagbilaran City, the legal and financial adviser of the team, more world champions will come from the ALA Gym in the future.
?This is just the beginning of a new era in boxing where the ALA boxers can excel in global competition. There will be more champions to come in the few years,? Lim said.
Three failed bids
Nietes joins IBF mini-flyweight champion Florante Condes, IBF flyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. and WBO bantamweight king Gerry Pe?alosa.
Nietes is the eighth Filipino who fought for the world title this year with three of his more illustrious stablemates?Z Gorres, Czar Amonsot and Rey Bautista ?failing their respective bids.
?I am just happy that I had finally made my dreams come true. For sir ALA and the ALA Gym,? Nietes said after climbing down the ring.
While the attention of most people were on the ring, boxing fanatics who are familiar with Aldeguer?s exploits and dedication to boxing were focused on him.
His sons Chris, Jay and the jubilant Michael?who now manages the careers of the ALA Boys?gave their father very tight hugs, while current and former ALA boys celebrated.
