It’s Nietes vs Rodriguez in July

MANILA, Philippines - Donnie Nietes may be running out of opponents in the junior-flyweight division that sooner or later he will have to move up in weight.

Nietes defended his WBO title for the sixth time Saturday evening with a smashing ninth-round stoppage of Mexican Gilberto Parra.

His promoter, Michael Aldeguer, said Nietes is in for a mandatory defense against another Mexican, Francisco Rodriguez Jr.

Then Nietes will take it from there. 

The fight will take place on July 4 in Cebu City.

“It’s going to be a tough guy. He’s a former world champion,” said Aldeguer of Rodriguez, who’s only 21.

Rodriguez knocked out Filipino Merlito Sabillo in March last year to take the WBO minimumweight crown.

“He’s now moving up in weight,” said Aldeguer.

Nietes said it’s all up to his promoter but has vowed to continue on winning, regardless of the opponent.

“I just want to keep on winning,” said Nietes in Filipino, who may end up facing Juan Francisco Estrada, the WBO/WBA flyweight champion.

“I want to fight all the champions,” added Nietes.

“We’ll see what’s best for him,” said his promoter.