Nietes to Fuentes: Over my dead body

MANILA, Philippines - Moises Fuentes did not travel all the way from Mexico City just for another taste of famous Philippine hospitality.

Fuentes yesterday vowed to beat WBO light-flyweight champion Donnie Nietes in their rematch scheduled tomorrow evening at the MOA Arena.

“I came to win. The title will go back to Mexico,” Fuentes said during a well-attended press conference for the Pinoy Pride 25 at Bayview Park.

In March last year, Fuentes faced the Filipino champion in Cebu City. It was a close fight that ended in a majority draw.

The 24-year-old Fuentes said Nietes did not deserve the draw because the Filipino ran away in the closing rounds.

“That’s why it was a draw. He practically ran away. Champions don’t behave that way. I hope he comes to fight this time,” Fuentes added.

Nietes, who will turn 32 in a couple of weeks, sat at the other end of the table, looking like the champion in his dark suit.

He had the belt right in front of him, and when told that Fuentes is determined to take it away from him, he offered a firm answer.

“Hindi ako papayag (I will not let that happen). Magkaka-matayan muna kami (Over my dead body),” said Nietes, who vowed to go for the knockout.

“No draw,” he said even before the press conference started.

Spicing up the main event are the bouts between Milan Melindo and Martin Tecuapetla, and Boom-Boom Bautista and Sergio Villanueva. – Abac Cordero

Fuentes, who loves to smile, tried to be as cocky as he could get because sitting beside him was his biggest supporter, Marco Antonio Barrera.

But the Mexican legend was cautious with his words, saying they have too much respect for Nietes.

“Nietes is a strong fighter. I don’t know if we can knock him out. But we’re sure that Moises came to win the fight,” said Barrera.

He couldn’t get away without being asked about Manny Pacquiao and the much-awaited super fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr.

“I want to see that fight,” said Barrera.