NIETES NOT BOTHERED BY CHANGE IN OPPONENTS
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 02 Mar 2015
World Boxing Organization light flyweight champion Donnie "Ahas" Nietes, the longest reigning Filipino world champion who will be inducted into the prestigious "Flash" Elorde Hall of Fame on March 25, is not bothered by the change in opponents for his March 28 title defense at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Nietes (34-1-4, 20 KO's) was initially scheduled to face Luis Ceja of Mexico before the chairman of the WBO Championship Committee informed Nietes promoter/manager Michael Aldeguer of ALA Promotions that he would have to negotiate for a mandatory title defense against Francisco Rodriguez Jr with Fernando Beltran of Zanfer Promotions.
Then Aldeguer found out from Zanfer that Rodriguez was not ready to fight Nietes on March 28 and suggested another one of his fighter's, Gilberto Parra who has an impressive record of 17 knockouts in 19 wins with 2 defeats.
Nietes said his training has been "steady and he will focus on his opponent's movement and style."
Having watched tapes of Parra's fights Nietes noticed that he varies h is style saying "sometimes he comes in and sometimes he tries to box. I'll study his style and make the necessary adjustments. If he comes in I will knock him out with a counter-punch."
Nietes' trainer Edmund Villamor told the Manila Standard/Viva Sports after previewing the fight tapes of Parra "who adopts a different style from fight to fight, sometimes he runs and sometimes he comes forward aggressively, he won't pose a problem."
He said "we will prepare to catch him if he runs and counter if he comes forward. Donnie is moving well and there's no probem with his stamina because he is disciplined."
Undefeated Prince Albert Pagara, the IBF Intercontinental junior featherweight champion with a record of 22-0 with 15 knockouts told the Standard he "expects a hard fight" against North American Boxing Organization champion Rodolfo "Fofo" Hernandez (26-5-1, 24 KO's pointing out that Hernandez "is tall, a good boxer and a KO specialist with a good uppercut and combinations."
Pagara said he is "focused to defend my title. I am in fine hundred percent condition and eager to get into the ring."
Photo (L-R): WBO world champion Donnie 'Ahas' Nietes, former world champion Nonito Donaire Jr and upcoming junior featherweight contender Albert Pagara pose during Monday's press conference launching 'Pinoy Pride 30' scheduled on March 28 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
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