Nietes, Sabillo set to defend titles vs. Latino foes tonight

QUEZON CITY, Philippines - —  Donnie ‘Ahas’ Nietes (31-1, 17KOs) hopes to continue the winning surge of Filipino ring stars as he stakes his WBO light flyweight crown against Sammy ‘Guty’ Gutierrez (33-9, 23KOs) of Mexico in the main event of the keenly-awaited ‘Pinoy Pride XXIII:Filipinos Kontra Latinos’ figthtcard tonight at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Nietes hasn’t lost since 2004 and is on course of surpassing the record of the late Gabriel ‘Flash’ Elorde as the longest Filipino world boxing champion in seven years.

“I am not thinking about Elorde's record but if ever I'll achieve it, then it's a big boost to my career and confidence as a world champion,” said Nietes.

The ALA Gym stalwart is confident he can duplicate the feat of Nonito Donaire and Manny Pacquiao, with hopes of lifting the spirits of his countrymen especially those were badly affected by super typhoon Yolanda that battered Visayas three weeks ago.

“I must win this fight not only to bring honor and pride to our country, but also to give my fellow countrymen another brief respite especially  those who were hard-hit by the earthquake and super typhoon,” Nietes said. “I can’t say what round I am going to finish him but a knockout is a big possibility. The earlier I can finish Gutierrez, the better.”

Nietes has other thing in mind and that is to send a strong message to his one-time victim Moises Fuentes, whom he will face in a grudge rematch in March next year.

“If I can knock this guy (Gutierrez) out, then I can show him that I'm not the same fighter he (Fuentes) once fought,” added Nietes.

Nietes and Fuentes fought last March at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino in a brutal fight that resulted into a controversial majority draw.

In the supporting main event, WBO minimumweight champion Merlito ‘Tiger’ Sabillo (23-0, 12KOs) will make the first defense of his throne against Carlos ‘Chocorroncito’ Buitrago (27-0,16KOs) of  Nicaragua.

“He is also undefeated like me so I expect a tough fight,” said Sabillo. “But I trust in my preparations and if I have chance, I will not hesitate to knock him out.”

In the equally-exciting undercards, Milan ‘El Metodico’ Melindo will slug it out with Alfredo ‘Torito’ Rodriguez (29-2, 18KOs) for the WBO International flyweight crown.

Melindo hopes to regain his status as one of the top contenders in the 112-pound division after his heart-breaking unanimous decision loss to WBO/WBA champion Juan Francisco Estrada last July in Macau.

“I really want to redeem myself so that I can come close again to my dream of becoming a world champion again,” said Melindo.

Also fighting in the slambang card bankrolled by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports are ALA fighters Jason ‘El Nino’ Pagara and AJ ‘Bazooka’ Banal. Pagara (31-2, 19KOs) will take on Vladimir Baez of Dominican Republic, while Banal (29-2, 21KOs) will tackle Puerto Rican slugger Lucian Gonzales. (FREEMAN)