MANILA, Philippines – WBO minimumweight champion Donnie (Ahas) Nietes is booked to stake his crown on Jan. 23 at the Cuneta Astrodome but it’s still not certain whom he’ll face as two would-be Mexican challengers dropped out within a day of each other, presumably in fear of the Murcia, Negros Occidental, slugger’s venom.
Nietes’ original opponent Ivan (Pollito) Meneses mysteriously backed out the other day and Las Vegas-based international matchmaker Sampson Lewkowicz tapped another Mexican Sammy Gutierrez as his replacement.
Gutierrez was considered a tougher foe than Meneses because he has figured in three close bouts against IBF 105-pound champion Raul Garcia. Besides, Gutierrez defeated Meneses two years ago.
Lewkowicz informed Nietes’ manager Michael Aldeguer of the switch, supposedly because Meneses is afraid of flying a long distance.
“It was a hazy report,” said Aldeguer’s father Tony who owns the ALA Boxing Gym in Cebu. “We were told Meneses does not like to fly. But Nietes couldn’t care less whom he fights. He’s in top shape and ready to fight even this week.”
Aldeguer said as soon as the change was reported, Nietes’ coaching staff checked on the Internet if Gutierrez’ fights are accessible on youtube and found out his style is different from Meneses.’
But yesterday, Aldeguer said Lewkowicz announced one more switch. Gutierrez demanded more money as a late substitute and the budget wouldn’t allow it. Gutierrez would’ve been willing to fly over and take on Nietes in Manila – for the right price.
Now, Nietes’ opponent is Mexico’s Jesus (Negrito) Silvestre who has a 15-1 record, with 12 KOs. He’s fresh from scoring a first round knockout over Felipe Lopez in his Nayarit hometown last Dec. 12. Silvestre has won seven in a row and hasn’t lost since dropping a six-round decision to Jose Rodriguez in April 2008. He turned pro in 2006 and has held the interim WBC Youth minimumweight crown.
From all indications, Silvestre appears to be a more formidable opponent than either Meneses or Gutierrez, if records are the gauge. Gutierrez’ record is 22-5-2, with 13 KOs while Meneses’ mark is 14-5-1, with eight KOs.
Silvestre’s drawback is he’s not world rated unlike Meneses or Gutierrez. Meneses is ranked No. 8 by the WBC and No. 11 by both the WBA and WBO while Gutierrez is rated No. 10 by the WBC, No. 12 by the WBA and No. 15 by the IBF.
It’s possible that any one of the three Mexicans – Meneses, Gutierrez and Silvestre – could end up challenging Nietes. Lewkowicz’ commitment is to find a foe capable of putting Nietes to the test.
The problem is Nietes has earned a frightening reputation among Mexican contenders and that’s probably why Lewkowicz is finding it difficult to sign up takers. Nietes flew all the way to Mexico to battle his last two challengers and beat Erik Ramirez and Manuel Vargas, both on points. He’s the only Filipino world titlist to successfully defend his belt twice against Mexicans in Mexico.
Whomever he faces, Nietes will go for a knockout, said Aldeguer.
“Donnie won’t take anyone lightly,” he continued. “He’s already used to fighting Mexicans even at their own turf. Donnie will go for a knockout as he usually does. His biggest asset is his mental toughness. He has a great attitude. At the moment, he has no plans to move up to the next division. What he wants is to unify the minimumweight championship.”
