Hero?s welcome awaits Nietes
By Jerome S. Galunan Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 19 Nov 2014
BACOLOD CITY -- After rewriting Philippine boxing history over the weekend in Cebu, reigning world Boxing Organization light flyweight champion Donnie ?Ahas? Nietes is expected to receive a hero?s welcome when he arrives in Bacolod.
?Next week, we shall welcome our own world champion,? said Bacolod City Mayor Monico Puentevella, who also joined Ceres-La Salle FC victory party yesterday at the People?s House.
?Nietes will be remembered for a very long time as the longest reigning boxing champion of the Philippines, who hailed from Negros Occidental. He makes us all proud,? he said.
Puentevella, who led Bacolod City in paying tribute to the newly-crowned FA League Cup champion Ceres-La Salle FC, stressed that this football team alongside Nietes are the new breed of Bacolodnons who will propel the City of Smiles to another and higher zone. ?Let?s move forward as we are inspired by these new ?bayani ng bayan.??
Moreover, Murcia Mayor Andrew Montelibano assured that there will be a celebration when Nietes returns to Murcia. ?We really don?t know yet the plan, but definitely there will be a hero?s welcome for Nietes,? he said.
As to Nietes? incentive, Montelibano stressed that he will be talking with the council regarding the matter.
Gov. Alfredo Mara?on Jr. also said that ?it is with great pride that our very own Donnie Nietes established a new record today. His triumph shows once again that Negrense boxers are world class athletes,? he said. ?May Donnie?s feat also serve as an inspiration to many others who also aspire to excel in the field of sports someday,? he added.
?Again, my congratulations to Donnie and the other Filipino boxers who won in the Pinoy Pride,? the provincial father said.
WHAT?S NEXT FOR NIETES
Following his successful title defense, Nietes will most likely move up to flyweight division (112 lbs).
This was confirmed by ALA Promotions International President/CEO Michael Aldeguer during the post-match interview at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
?Yes, we are looking at Nietes going up at 112 but it doesn?t mean that he could no longer make the 108 limit. He can still make the 108 pounds, thus, we are not rushing it. He has actually a scheduled fight on February 14 next year in Macau alongside hometown hero Zou Shiming. We are just finalizing it with Top Rank?s Bob Arum,? he added.(Watchmen Daily Journal)
Top photo: WBO light flyweight champion Donnie ?Ahas? Nietes (2nd from left) with Murcia Mayor Andrew Montelibano, dyRL?s Henceboy Cestina, Nietes? father Jeshua and dyEZ?s Rex Cantong. (SCOOP-Bacolod Photo).
WBO light flyweight champion Donnie ?Ahas? Nietes and Bacolod City Mayor Monico Puentevella. (CMO/PIO Photo).
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Jerome S. Galunan Jr..
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