Nietes-Gonzalez fight to take time

CARSON, California – It may take a little more time before Donnie Nietes gets his dream match with Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez.

It may take time, according to ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer.

“Actually we’ve started the discussions,” said Aldeguer after Nietes, the 33-year-old world champion, outfought Mexico’s Juan Alejo Saturday evening here.

After the fight, Nietes called on Gonzalez’s name.

“I want that fight. He won tonight. I won tonight. Maybe we can fight next,” he said in Filipino, at the center of the StubHub ring.

Gonzalez is a 28-year-old Nicaraguan, undefeated in 44 fights with 38 knockouts. He is the current pound-for-pound king.

Brian Viloria, the former light-fly and flyweight champion from the Philippines, took a shot at Gonzalez also last Saturday in New York.

But that’s all Viloria got – a shot at Gonzalez.

The “Hawaiian Punch” fought very hard but was knocked out in the ninth round at Madison Square Garden.

Aldeguer said Nietes might stage his next fight in Bacolod, his home province, in March, and if that happens then it will be at 108 lbs or a tuneup at 110 lbs.

“He hasn’t fought in Bacolod since 2010, and his fans want to see him,” said Aldeguer.

“Gonzalez is at 112. He’s a great, great champion. Right now we’re not talking about that (fight),” said the promoter from Cebu.

“We’ve started talks but couldn’t discuss it further. But yes, there are talks,” said Aldeguer.

Nietes told The STAR two days ago that he’s still comfortable at 108 lbs and would only consider moving up in weight if it’s for the big fight.

He wants the big fish – Gonzalez.

“Gusto ko talaga si Roman Gonzalez (I really want Gonzalez). That will be a good fight,” he said, adding that another option is to fight Juan Francisco Estrada.

“We’re also looking at that direction,” Aldeguer said.

Realistically, a Nietes vs Gonzalez fight could take place toward the end of 2016.

Saturday’s card at the StubHub Center was the first US foray for ALA Promotions, and certainly it won’t be the last.

The all-Filipino promotions outfit has hooked up with giant network ABS-CBN to make things a reality, and there’s a lot on the drawing board.

Already on paper are Pinoy Pride editions in San Diego in April, Los Angeles in June, San Francisco in August and then back to Carson in October.

Again expected to figure in these future shows are Nietes and the Pagara brothers, Albert and Jason, as well as Mark Magsayo and Bruno Escalante, a Filipino based in San Francisco and a clear winner over Mexico’s Nestor Ramos at StubHub.

Peter Musngi of ABS-CBN said they’re looking at eight events next year, including two in Dubai, four in the US and a couple in the Philippines.

“We’re very excited to make our debut here (US),” he said.

“It was an arduous journey for us,” added Dino Laurena, also of ABS-CBN.

It was pure Pinoy Pride.