BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – ALA Boxing Gym stalwart Donnie "Ahas" Nietes and defending champion Ramon “El Principe” Garcia Hirales of Mexico vow to bring war against each other when they figure in a 12-round rumble for the WBO light flyweight championship in the main event of tomorrow's "Pinoy Pride 9" at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum here.
In a calm moment before the storm, the two protagonists were very cordial when they met face-to-face for the first time in a press conference yesterday at the L’ Fisher Hotel.
Nietes, who abdicated his WBO minimumweight throne to venture in a higher weight class and hopefully become a two-division world titlist, said he has only one thing in mind and that is to snatch the crown away from Hirales and make his fellow Negrenses proud.
“Prepared na ko ning tungura. Dili ni nako first time na mo-away alang sa world title pero mas gipangandaman nako ni ug dili ni nako buhian nga kahigayunan,” said the 29-year-old Nietes. “Daku og advantage nga dinhi ko modula sa Bacolod and mas sweto na ko sa akong balwarte.”
About his chances of scoring a knockout victory, the former janitor turned world champion said he will dish it out if opportunity presents itself. “Akong paningkamoton nga dili na moabot sa decision ug kun makakita lang og chance, ako gyud siyang tumbahon.”
But Garcia, who came three weeks early in the Philippines to train and acclimatize, said that fighting at enemy's territory would not be a factor since it will only be him and Nietes locking up horns inside the ring.
“Fans will not be a factor. They will not judge the fight so they will not affect the fight,” said Garcia adding that will surely give his best shot to bring back his belt to Mexico.
“The fight is scheduled for 12 so there is a chance of a knockout, but I believe it will not be me who is going to be down but it's going to be Nietes.”
On the other hand, ALA knockout artist AJ “Bazooka” Banal also yearns to make an impression when he defends his WBO Asia Pacific bantamweight title against the undefeated Mexican Mario “Maca” Briones.
The pride of Brgy. Ermita said he will use Briones as a stepping stone to get his dream rematch against his former tormentor Rafael Concepcion of Panama next year.
“Wa ko kapakita og tarung sa akong away ni Tyson (Cave) ug mao na kini akong chance nga i-prove nga andam na ko para ni (Rafael) Concepcion,” said Banal.
In the equally-exciting undercard, unbeaten ALA prospect Albert Pagara is in a make-or-break fight against his first foreign opponent in Shabani Madilu of Tanzania.
“Kaya ra kaayo nako ni. Wa ko kulbai ani niya ug sa akong tan-aw sayon pa ni siya kontrahon kaysa sa Pinoy,” said the 17-year-old Pagara. “Sa four or five rounds, suwayan nako siya og tumba.” (FREEMAN)