DONNIE Nietes’ title defense this Saturday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena is more than just a regular world title fight. Aside from his shiny golden World Boxing Organization (WBO) light flyweight belt, his legacy is also on the line when he faces Moises Fuentes in a rematch in the main event of Pinoy Pride 25.
A crucial victory over Fuentes could earn him the right to be called as one of the best Filipino boxers in history.
?Donnie should gain the respect of the boxing world if he beats Fuentes convincingly.
Holding the title for six years is no easy task, defending and winning in Mexico three times is tough. I believe his time will come. It?s just that he came in the same era as Manny (Pacquiao) and Nonito (Donaire) so his achievements are overlooked,? ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer told Sun.Star Cebu.
The 31-year-old Nietes is considered as one of the best in the current light flyweight division. He is ranked No. 1 in The Ring Magazine’s 108-pound rankings. With that, the ratings panel has approved the Nietes vs. Fuentes fight for the vacant Ring Magazine light flyweight title, which is considered a lineal crown. In the history of Philippine boxing, only nine boxers have been crowned as lineal champions. Among the present fighters are Manny Pacquiao, Nonito Donaire and Sonny Boy Jaro. The past fighters include Pancho Villa, Dado Marino, Erbito Salavarria, Ben Villaflor, Frank Cedeno and Gabriel ?Flash? Elorde.
Nietes is also chasing the longtime record set by Elorde as the longest reigning Filipino world champion. Elorde reigned as a world champion from for seven years and three months. Nietes, on the other hand, has held a world title for six years and seven months.
?It’s definitely going to be the biggest fight for Donnie. Not only is he defending his world title but he is also trying to make history by surpassing the record of ‘Flash’ Elorde. Now with the lineal title, it adds to the glory of putting his name in the history books. All these are the inspirations of Donnie, he knows that this is his chance of a lifetime to make history,” said Aldeguer.
