HUNGER for greatness is what drives Donnie Nietes to train his heart out for his upcoming world title fight against World Boxing Organization (WBO) light flyweight champion Ramon Garcia in the main event of ?Pinoy Pride 9? on Oct. 8 at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum in Bacolod City.
Nietes had been pouring out his sweat for one of the most important fights of his career that could make him one of the greatest Filipino fighters.
?I?ve never seen him train as hard as now. He knows this is his chance to be part of history,? ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer told Sun.Star Cebu.
Nietes, the former WBO mini-flyweight titleholder, will be included in the list of Filipino greats who have won world titles in multiple divisions– like pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao, Nonito Donaire Jr., Gerry Pe?alosa, Dodie Boy Pe?alosa and Luisito Espinosa–if he beats Garcia.
Nietes, 29, is one of the most complete boxers in the ALA Gym but despite that, he still believes he still needs to sharpen his technique.
?He is putting more combinations to his punches and improving his defense as Garcia?s style is difficult to read,? said the young Cebuano promoter.
Although Nietes is more experienced than Garcia in world title fights, Aldeguer believes this won?t be a walk in the park for his ward as the 29-year-old Mexican champion is a talented fighter.
?(He has to look out for) His right straight and overhand as Garcia punches from different angles. It?s hard to say as to who has the advantage as both are world champions. I believe it would depend as to who would step up first in dictating the fight and create opportunities to their advantage,? he said.
Also seeing action in the supporting main event in Pinoy Pride 9 boxing spectacle is AJ Banal.
