Nietes basks in glow of success

CEBU, Philippines - Donnie ‘Ahas’ Nietes has surely come a long a way, from being a janitor and animal caretaker at the ALA Gym to a two-division world champion, but he humbly admitted that he didn’t expect his life will make a great turn now that he set a record as the longest reigning Filipino boxing world champion.

The current WBO light flyweight titlist was honored by ALA Promotions, ABS-CBN executives, members of the press and fellow fighters in a special banquet the other night as City Sports Club Cebu as a tribute to his milestone.

After his previous title defense via seventh round TKO of Mexican Carlos Velarde on November 15 last year at the Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino, Nietes surpassed the record of the late Gabriel ‘Flash’ Elorde, who once ruled the lightweight division for seven years and three months.

The pride of Murcia, Negros Occidental has been a world title-holder since beating Pornsawan Porpramook for the vacant WBO minimumweight crown on September 20, 2007.

“When I came to ALA Gym, I didn’t expect to reach this far because all I want is to become a boxer and to earn for my family,” said Nietes. “I am happy but most of all thankful especially to sir ALA because he gave me a chance to change my life forever.”

A father of two kids, Nietes said hard work and determination were the key components of his successful career.

“I work hard at first because I want to give my family a good life," said Nietes. But now I want to work hard more in my fights to give my country pride and honor.”

In his 12-year ring journey, overcame many challenges, such as taking on elite boxers like Eddy Castro, Erik Ramirez,  Manuel Vargas, Jesus Silvestre, Mario Rodriguez, Armando Vazquez, Ramon Garcia Hirales, Felipe Salguero, Danai Meendaeng, Sammy Gutierez and Moises Fuentes.

His first and only setback, so far, in 39 fights came at the hands of Indonesian Angky Angkota 11 years ago via controversial split decision.

“For me, he [Nietes] is undefeated because Angkota was overweight when Donnie fought him. Donnie was impressive during that fight and he even knocked Angkota's two teeth,” said ALA Boxing Gym founder Antonio 'Bidoy" L. Aldeguer.

Aldeguer was all praises for his prized ward, whom he considered as one of the greatest Pinoy boxers of all time.

“I have handled so many boxers like (Gerrry) Peñalosa, Edito (Villamor), Andy Tabanas and many more, but there is only one Donnie Nietes.  To be honest, it never came to my mind that he will be a champion because when he came to the gym, he was frail and small. But it all changed when he showed me great potential as he was winning fights,” said Aldeguer.

 “Everybody knows that winning a world championship is difficult but what’s more difficult is defending your title and Donnie did it for more than seven years. What is even more special is that Elorde was my idol and I am glad that a great and humble boxer like Donnie was the one to surpass my idol's record,” added Aldeguer.

Nietes is at the moment busy preparing for his upcoming defense in Macau, but he is also thinking of stepping into a higher weight class to pursue his goal of becoming a multi-divisional world champion.

"I want to climb to flyweight (112 lbs.) this year and become a three-division world champion. Hopefully, I can get that fight but it all still depends on my promoter. Having that achievement will surely bring pride not only to me, but to my countrymen as well,” said Nietes. (FREEMAN)