Nietes to defend WBO title vs. Mexican toughie today

PASAY CITY, Philippines  - The moment of truth beckons for two-division world champion Donnie ‘Ahas’ Nietes (29-1, 16KOs) as he puts his WBO light flyweight throne on the line against Mexican challenger Felipe Salguero (16-2, 11KO) in the main event of the keenly-awaited ‘Pinoy Pride 14:Night of Champions’ tonight at the Resorts World Hotel and Casino here.

Though highly inspired fighting before his fellow countrymen, the pride of Murcia, Negros Occidental will surely have his hands full against Salguero, who exuded so much confidence that he made a 'cut-throat' gesture to the Pinoy boxing champ during the official weigh-in yesterday at Robinson's Galleria in Ortigas. Both fighters scaled in at exactly 108 pounds.

“I came to knock out Nietes,” said Salguero. “Watch out because I will do a very big surprise in front of all Filipino boxing fans.”

But inspite of the taunting he got from his opponent, Nietes stayed cool, just promising to dish out an impressive win he badly needs to prove that he is one of the greatest Filipino boxing champions.

“His (Salguero) actions during the weigh-in means nothing to me,” said Nietes. “I am ready and I will do everything not only to defend my title but to also to impress my countrymen.”

ALA Promotions president Michael P. Aldeguer, for his part, said Nietes is up for a tough task of vindicating himself from a controversial win over Mexico's Ramon Garcia Hirales to snatch the WBO belt in October last year in Bacolod City.

“As much as possible, Nietes needs to score a knockout, if not, a very dominant victory this time,” Aldeguer said. “He has proved to be one of Philippine’s boxing champion but champions are seen not only in winning but also the way he wins his fight.”

In the supporting bouts of the slambang card bankrolled by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports, ALA Boxing Gym stars Milan ‘El Metodico’ Melindo (26-0,10KOs) and Genesis ‘Azukal’ Servania (17-0, 5KOs) will slug it out with separate foes.

Melindo will face former world champion Jesus Geles (13-2,5KOs) of Colombia for the WBO International flyweight crown, while Servania will face an acid test against three-time Mexican world title challenger Genaro ‘Poblanito’ Garcia (38-8, 22KOs).  (FREEMAN)