Nietes eyes KO win in Fuentes rematch

PASAY CITY , Philippines— With his title and a chance to be part of Philippine boxing history at stake, Donnie ‘Ahas’ Nietes (31-1-1, 19KOs) eyes no less than a knockout victory as he defends his WBO light flyweight title against Mexican rival Moises ‘Moi’ Fuentes (19-1-1, 18KOs) in an expected grudge rematch topbilling the "Pinoy Pride XXV: Rematch for Glory" tonight at the SM Mall of Asia Arena here.

Aside from defending his throne, Nietes also guns for the Ring Magazine Lineal championship belt that is on the line in his 12-round rumble against Fuentes.

“There is a big chance of me knocking him out,” said the ALA Boxing Gym stalwart from Murcia, Negros Occidental. “Instead of  feeling pressure, I am instead glad for this chance to keep my world title against a tough opponent and also close in on that record."

Nietes looks to carve his name in history books as he is just eight months away from surpassing the record of the great Gabriel “Flash” Elorde as the longest reigning Filipino world boxing champion. Elorde once ruled as the world lightweight champion for nearly seven years.

The 31-year-old Nietes knows that he will have his hands full against Fuentes, but the Filipino ring gladiator believes that he has the complete tool to put period on his rivalry with the former Mexican champion.

“I know that he prepared hard for this fight and this will not be an easy fight for both of  us," said Nietes. "But I will win because that what I should supposed to do.”

“I have my own style of fighting, but this fight will be a war. This time, there will be no more questions asked,” he added.

Fuentes first fought the Filipino champion in an epic 12-round slugfest that resulted in a majority draw on March 13 last year at the Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

For his part, ALA Promotions President and CEO Michael Aldeguer said the Pinoy Pride XXV will surely be one of the biggest boxing events this year and it will be crucial not only for Nietes but also for the future of  Philboxing. 

“The result of this fight will dictate the whole on what we achieved,” said Aldeguer. “If  Donnie wins, we will go a notch higher. Big fights will come to the Philippines. It’s a big pressure for us and this fight will be crucial,” said Aldeguer.

In the supporting main event, Milan ‘El Metodico’ Melindo (30-1, 12KOs) hopes to retain his WBO International flyweight crown when he takes on Mexican Martil ‘Diablo’  Tecuapetla (11-5, 8KOs).

“This is part of my journey to once again become a title contender in the flyweight division. I will win and I want to show how real boxing is done,” said Melindo.

In another attraction, Rey ‘Boom Boom’ Bautista (34-3, 25KOs) vowed to resurrect his fistic career as he slugs it out with Mexican Sergio ‘El Cuate’ Villanueva (26-3, 13KOs) in his debut under the junior lightweight division.

“I am glad that I have given a chance to be back in the ring and I have no plans of wasting this opportunity,” said the Candijay, Bohol-native fighter. (FREEMAN)