NOW that he is moving up in weight, WBO mini flyweight champion Donnie Nietes is building up his muscle and power as he tries his luck to become a two-division champion.
?As of now, I?m working more on my power and building up my muscles with coach Pio (Solon),? said Nietes, who looked bigger in his new weight division, in a press conference for Pinoy Pride 5 at the Diamond Suites and Residences yesterday.
Although Nietes has power in both fists, which is evident with his 15 knockout victories from 27 fights, he believes he still needs what both Filipino superstars Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire Jr. have in common.
?I think I still lack the power. I?m working on my one-punch knockout,? said Nietes.
His trainer Edmund Villamor believes Nietes is already a complete package but if there is something that needs to be tweaked, it is his speed and his combinations, which are currently being worked out in the gym.
Nietes will debut in the light flyweight division on April 9 against Mexican Armando Vasquez in his hometown at the St. La Salle Coliseum in Bacolod City.
?I won?t take any chances because I know my opponent (Vasquez) is training hard for this fight. I have to be prepared but I?m confident I will win,? he said.
ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer said Nietes will be fighting for the WBO light flyweight crown in July or August. Nietes will be facing the winner of the world title rematch between interim WBO champion Jesus Geles and Ramon Garcia-Hirales on April 30 in Mexico.
Aldeguer said the winner of the Geles vs. Hirales fight will most likely be declared the regular WBO light flyweight champion because WBO light flyweight Giovani Segura and Ivan Calderon, who are set to face each other on April 2 for the WBO crown, have said they will be moving up in weight.
Meanwhile, Braveheart boxer Rommel Asenjo, who is also promoted by ALA Promotions, will be challenging interim WBO mini-flyweight titlist Raul Garcia also on April 30 in Mexico.
