Nietes will prevail in Pinoy Pride 31 - Monico
By Jerome S. Galunan Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 08 Jul 2015
BACOLOD CITY, Philippine ? Finally, the much awaited face-off between the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) and Ring magazine junior flyweight champion Donnie ?Ahas? Nietes (35-4-1, 21KOs) and Mexican challenger and former unified WBO/International Boxing Federation (IBF) minimumweight world champ Francisco Rodriguez, Jr. (17-2-1,11KO?s) will be realized today a both fighters set to meet in today?s press conference for the Pinoy Pride 31: Clash of World Champions in Cebu City.
Nietes, who hailed from Bacolod and Murcia and also the longest reigning Filipino champion, in a report said that he is looking forward to avenge the loss of his friend, stablemate and fellow Negrense Merlito ?Tiger? Sabillo ? who lost to Rodriguez last year.
The erstwhile WBO mnimumweight champion Sabillo surrendered his belt to Rodriguez after downed in the 10th round in their title fight in Mexico.
Nietes has been in tough training in ALA gym in Cebu since April to prepare for his face-off with Rodriguez on Saturday, July 11, at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
ALA gym?s lead trainer Edmund Villamor has stressed that Nietes has the edge over the Mexican when the bell rings.
?Donnie (Nietes) is more experienced than Rodriguez. He has also an edge in skills, speed and power. And, most importantly has the home court advantage,? Villamor said.
In any sport, home court is always an advantage in which gave an athlete more confidence in fighting before his home crowd. However, this doesn?t apply that much to Nietes as he is also undefeated in all his fights in Mexico ? beating down his opponents despite the pressure from the home fans.
But, Villamor reiterated that they won?t be that complacent against Rodriguez as he is a former champion who has an impressive record against Filipino fighters.
Bacolod City Mayor Monico Puentevella yesterday said that he believes that Nietes will prevail in this fight. ?I know Donnie [Nietes] will prevail in this match because he possesses the proper motivation and guidance under my former [basketball] coach, Antonio?Bidoy? Aldeguer. And, Donnie has the heart and the will to win,? Puentevella said.
Murcia town Mayor Andrew Montelibano also foresees similar result on the Nietes-Rodriguez face-off. ?With the kind of conditioning and training he is in, I believe Donnie [Nietes] will retain his title. I am in contact with him personally and I can see he is more ready than ever,? Montelibano said.
Also featured in Pinoy Pride 31 is co-main event Mark "Magnifico" Magsayo alongside another promising young prospect Kevin Jake Cataraja.
The undefeated Magsayo (10-0) will face Mexican Rafael Reyes (16-4) for the vacant IBF Youth featherweight title while, Cataraja meets Indonesian Ardi Tefa for a 6-round clash.
This boxing event is presented by ALA Promotions International in partnership with ABS-CBN Sports.(WATCHMEN DAILY JOURNAL)
Photo: Bacolod City Mayor Monico Puentevella with boxing champion Donnie ?Ahas? Nietes.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Jerome S. Galunan Jr..
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Madoka Wada Halts Chay Rivas in Tokyo, Retains OPBF Belt
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 26 Jun 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: The Grand Prix a Grand Concept
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Thu, 26 Jun 2025PHOTOS: Pacquiao Showcases Vintage Form During Media Day Workout at Wildcard Gym
By Dong Secuya, Thu, 26 Jun 2025Press Conference Notes: Christian Mbilli & Maciej Sulecki Collide for Interim Super Middleweight World Title FRIDAY in Quebec City
Thu, 26 Jun 2025Rivas vs Wada: Battle for Women’s OPBF Supremacy Today in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 26 Jun 2025Mexican boxing icon Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez Respects Cuban fighters & rivalry
Thu, 26 Jun 2025Claressa Shields Partners with King Moore to Empower Detroit Youth with the “Follow Your Dreams” Program Presented by SMT Financial Partners
Thu, 26 Jun 2025Saturday’s title defense vs. Yuniel Dorticos could be prelude to mega-fight for Gilberto Ramirez against Jake Paul or Unification showdown with Jay Opetaia or Badou Jack
Wed, 25 Jun 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 25 June 2025: Norman Flattens Sasaki; Simsri Edges Araneta; Rodriguez Outpoints Yafai
By Eric Armit, Tue, 24 Jun 2025FM Daluz rules 7th AQ Prime FIDE Standard Open chess tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 24 Jun 2025Ancajas awaits call to join card
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 24 Jun 2025Macado fights Dulayba in Venue 88
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 24 Jun 2025“Showtime” Shea Willcox & Rich Allen turned in KO Performances
Tue, 24 Jun 2025Undefeated prospect Marco Romero To be showcased on Deontay Wilder PPV card this Friday night in Wichita
Tue, 24 Jun 2025Toro Promotions. Inc. to promote its First International pro boxing show in El Salvador on September 20th
Tue, 24 Jun 2025