Tougher task up ahead for Nietes

CEBU, Philippines – Donnie ‘Ahas’ Nietes, who recently made history as the longest reigning Filipino world boxing champion, is hard-pressed to win his forthcoming defense so as not to jeopardize an impending title match against a double world champion.

Nietes (34-1, 20KOs) is set to defend his WBO light flyweight crown against Mexican challenger Gilberto ‘Parrita’ Parra (19-1, 17KOs) in the main event of "Pinoy Pride 30:D-Day" on March 28 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and there's no other way for him other than to come out victorious as he is already lined up for a championship bout against Francisco Rodriguez (17-2-1, 11KOs) on July 18 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Nietes, however, said he is not yet thinking about Rodriguez as his main focus right now is his upcoming challenge against Parra.

“I am focusing first on making sure that I will win against Parra, but I also see this as a great chance to prepare for him (Rodriguez),” said Nietes in a press conference yesterday at the Rajah Park Hotel.

Rodriguez, the WBO and IBF minimumweight titlist, will climb up the light flyweight division just to take on Nietes. The Mexican warrior is famed for dethroning Nietes' stablemate Merlito 'Tiger' Sabillo via 10th round TKO last year in his home soil.

ALA Promotions President and CEO Michael Aldeguer said the WBO has already ordered Nietes to defend his belt against mandatory challenger Rodriguez on March 28, but the camp of the Mexican has requested for the fight to be moved to a later date as they weren't ready for an early fight.

“If Nietes will win this, then it’s automatic that he will face Rodriguez in July and we are looking to bring it here in Cebu,” said Aldeguer.

ALA Promotions actually has chosen another Mexican named Luis Ceja as voluntary challenger for Nietes, but WBO asked them to change it to Parra.

“It doesn’t matter to me if they changed my opponent because I am ready whoever I'm going to face with,” Nietes said. “But I am glad that it’s him (Parra) because I saw his style and he has similar skills to Rodriguez, which could help me in preparation for my July fight.”

After his two successful defense in different weight classes, Nietes looks forward to campaigning in other weight divisions.

“For me, there is still so much to accomplish and I want to climb and win world titles in two or three more divisions,” said the pride of Murcia, Negros Occidental. (FREEMAN)