Nietes battles Rubillar

RP No.1 light flyweight contender Donnie "The Snake" Nietes takes centerstage today as he slugs it out with journeyman Roberto Rubillar in the main event of the "Thrilla in Minglanilla" boxing card starting at 7 pm at the Minglanilla Sports Complex.

The slambang fisticuffs is presented by SGG Sports Promotions of international promoter Sammy Gello-ani in partnership with the MIBA-Association of Barangay Captains and the municipal government of Minglanilla under the leadership of Mayor Eduardo Selma.

This will be Nietes' first ring appearance since he won by decision over Noel Veronque last January 15.

Nietes, who carries a 17-1-3 win-loss-draw record spiked with 10KOs, must not take his opponent lightly as Rubillar has had a couple of big fights including against Thai Yodsaengsek Por Choomchok - albeit for a losing cause - for the WBC Youth light flyweight title on February 25 last year in Bangkok.

In the main supporting bouts, ALA Boy Rollen del Castillo will clash with Nelson Guidolan of the Davao City-based Willy Neri Stable, while RP No. 4 light flyweight contender Julius Alcos takes on another Cagayan de Oro City-native brawler in Bert Gawat.

The 20-year-old Alcos is a rising star worth watching for as he defeated the likes of former world title challengers Wyndel Janiola and Noel Tuñacao.

Del Castillo, on the other hand, hopes to maintain his momentum after winning by unanimous decision over Alex Aroy last February 3 in Manila.

The other matches feature SGG Stable's Edmund Velayo and Reman Salim against Barnold Seniego and Redgie Binueza, respectively, while former amateur campaigner from Talisay City Rascheid Bacus and Rogen Flores will square off against ring gladiators from Davao City.

A slew of young and promising prospects will kick-start the fistic show headed by Wilson Haya, Marjo Borres and Gil Melliguen, who will figure in four-rounder bouts against separate foes.