Great things start from small beginnings.
For Donnie ?Ahas? Nietes, all he wanted was to punch the mitts and shadow box while working as a janitor in a boxing stable in Cebu. Little did he know it was going to be a start of a successful career in prizefighting.
?There?s nothing impossible in this world,? said Nietes, 28, as he reminisced his humble beginning as a utility man in ALA Promotions before recently becoming the toast of the country.
?There?s nothing impossible as long as you dream for it and work hard for it,? said Nietes, now the reigning the World Boxing Organization (WBO) minimumweight champion.
Speaking in a press conference hosted by giant TV network GMA-7, Nietes, who is coming off a successful title defense against Mexican challenger Mario (Dragoncito) Rodriguez on August 4 in Guasave, Mexico, said he is thankful for all the Filipino fans and his supporters for what he has now become.
It was his third straight defense of the title and fourth straight win since capturing the title in 2007, making him the longest active champion in the Philippines.
Thrust into the shadows of the more popular champion fighters like Manny Pacquiao, Nietes said he is very elated with the media exposure stemming from his victorious fights.
?I want to become the next Flash Elorde,? said Nietes, appearing alongside GMA-7 CEO and president Felipe Gozon, manager Michael Aldeguer and Dennis Canete of ALA Promotions, when asked who he wants to become in the future.
Aldeguer said they are looking at pitting Nietes (27-1-3) against WBC minimumweight champion Oleydong Sithsanerchai of Thailand this December here in Manila.
?It depends on the negotiations, but we?re hoping to make that fight here in the country,? Aldeguer said.
Nietes overcame a late meltdown due to sweltering conditions to defeat Rodriguez with a unanimous decision.
