Less than three weeks before gunning for a fourth world crown in four weight classes, Donnie Nietes has stepped out of his comfort zone to train with new sparring mates.
Holed out in Cebu the past few months, Nietes faces Kazuto Ioka for the vacant World Boxing Organization super-flyweight title on Dec. 31 in Macau.
?He had been very impressive in sparring against guys who are not familiar with him,? said trainer Edito ?ALA? Villamor.
The new sparmates are Elias Joaquin and Ranoel Pael and Villamor believe the decision to recruit outside of the usual confines of the ALA Boxing Club is doing wonders.
While Nietes would only spar with stablemates before, Villamor says the change has forced Nietes to be on guard against the unpredictable nature of the new kids on the block.
Last September, Nietes, who had won world titles at minimumweight (105 lbs), light-fly 108) and fly (112), was the recipient of a draw decision despite his domination of compatriot Aston Palicte in Los Angeles.
A win in the 115-lb clash would have made Nietes a four-time world champion.
Only Nonito Donaire holds the distinction of being a four-division titlist and Nietes gets another opportunity to join the club late this month.
Apart from Manny Pacquiao, the other reigning Filipino world champs are Donaire, Jerwin Ancajas and Vic Saludar.
