MANILA, Philippines — Donnie Nietes’ plans for 2019 remain in the drawing board.
But his chief trainer, Edito Villamor, is looking at two big fights this year for the newly-crowned WBO super-flyweight champion.
“Donnie fought three times last year. He can do two fights this year,” Villamor told The STAR.
Nietes became a four-division champion on New Year’s Eve when he outpointed Japan’s Kazuto Ioka in Macau.
Even before his fight with Ioka, the 36-year-old Nietes had his eyes on the three big names in the 115-lb class.
They are WBC champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai of Thailand, Juan Francisco Estrada of Mexico and former pound-for-pound king Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzales of Nicaragua.
The other champions at super-flyweight are Khalid Yafai of the United Kingdom (WBA) and Nietes’ countryman Jerwin Ancajas (IBF).
Ancajas is not in Nietes’ radar – for now.
A rematch with countryman Aston Palicte also looms.
Nietes is just enjoying his victory in Cebu City, and catching up with the holidays. He has yet to sit down with ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer.
“Nothing is definite yet. Wala pang timetable. We will plan everything when we sit down with Mr. Aldeguer,” said Villamor.
Villamor said focus is on Rungvisai, Estrada and Gonzales.
“Anyone among them. It would be nice if it’s a unification fight with Rungvisai but either Estrada or Gonzales will be a big fight for Donnie,” said Villamor.
“Kahit sino sa kanila (Anyone among them). It will depend on the offer,” he added.