Donnie Nietes Signs with MTK Global (Analysis)
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 03 Oct 2020
British promotion company MTK Global has announced the signing of highly regarded Filipino 4-division world champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes (42-1-5, 23 KO’s) of Murcia, Negros Occidental – one of the most accomplished Pinoy boxers in history.
The development is good news for the many fans of Donnie who have been wondering about the career of their idol after the recent dissolution of Nietes’ long-time promoter ALA.
Now they know what lies ahead. 👍
However, the popular “Ahas” hasn’t fought since pulling a narrow razor-thin split decision win over Japanese four-division world champion Kazuto Ioka (25-2, 14 KO’s) in 2018.
It was an exciting, highly tactical 12-round battle at the plush Wynn Palace Cotai in Macao.
I was lucky to attended it. I had flown from Cebu to Macao to watch the Donnie Nietes vs Kazuto Ioka fight together with my dear old friend and fellow Philboxing writer Dong Secuya.
It was not an easy battle for Donnie as the Japanese Ioka was a tough, brave and talented adversary. Many times the Nippon boxer confused Donnie, landing good hands on him.
In the end, it was all worthy because warrior heart Donnie Nietes emerged victorious, conquering his 4th division world title.
But after that rewarding victory nearly 2 years ago, no ring action for Mr. Nice Guy Donnie.
Yet, his stellar boxing career is still far from over. ✅
Immensely experienced, highly skilled and superbly efficient in the ring, Donnie Nietes, 38, now looks forward to making the most out of this second stage in his career, guided by MTK Global.
As a matter of fact, MTK Global is the boxing promotional outfit that handles the careers of some of boxing’s best names, including several high-roller fighters, several of them you might have heard of:
“The Gypsy King” Tyson Fury, Carl Frampton, Jemel Herring, Hekkie Budler, Josh Taylor, Moruti Mthalane, Billy Joe Sanders, “Prince” Albert Pagara, among others.
Yes, Filipino Albert Pagara, 26, the former ALA fighter from Southern Leyte, has signed with MTK Global, as well, making Donnie Nietes the 2nd world-class Filipino boxer who joins the ranks with the renown English outfit.
MTK is indeed one of the biggest forces in the business of boxing worldwide.
The company’s founder is Britton Matthew Macklin, a former world-class middleweight boxer; and the company’s CEO is veteran American man of boxing Robert Yalen, a former Vice President of the WBC.
To me, I have the feeling that Donnie and Albert made a good decision. We’ll find out. But let's hope so.
Best of luck to our amigo Mr. Nice Guy Donnie Nietes, as well as to “Prince” Albert Pagara as they proceed forward with their boxing careers.
We wish them so much success with their new promoter.
The author, boxing writer Carlos Costa, lives in Cebu; can be reached by email: carlos512@hotmail.com or WhatsApp: +639184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
RAUL “EL CUGÁR” CURIEL CRUISES TO UNANIMOUS DECISION WIN OVER JORDAN “THE PATRIOT” PANTHEN
Sat, 17 Jan 2026Weights from Philadelphia
Sat, 17 Jan 2026Mexico Commemorates 12th Death Anniversary of Don Jose Sulaiman (Photos)
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 17 Jan 2026MOLLY McCANN EYES 'HUGE' STATEMENT START TO 2026 AS SHE JOINS BUMPER WOOD-WARINGTON CARD IN NOTTINGHAM ON FEBRUARY 21
Sat, 17 Jan 2026NEW MAIN EVENT ANNOUNCED! RAUL CURIEL SCHEDULED TO FACE JORDAN PANTHEN IN MIDDLEWEIGHT SCRAP
Fri, 16 Jan 2026SMALLS VS RAMOS TOPS STACKED UNDERCARD FOR NAVARRETE-NUNEZ BLOCKBUSTER IN GLENDALE
Fri, 16 Jan 2026Usyk Linked to Zuffa Boxing Deal as Questions Loom Over Title Defenses
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 16 Jan 2026Abass Baraou: "No One Has Been Able to Withstand My Pressure!"
Fri, 16 Jan 2026Wise Owl Boxing Signs Rising Female Star Chantel “Chicanita” Navarro
Fri, 16 Jan 2026Mauricio Sulaiman: WBC wants to protect fighters' dream of becoming a world champion
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 15 Jan 2026Xander Zayas: "It's Time to Make History!"
Thu, 15 Jan 2026Weights from Trenton, NJ
Thu, 15 Jan 2026Pro Boxer and Recent Grad Returns for Fight Night on the Farm — Celebrating Stanford’s Boxing Community
Thu, 15 Jan 2026Jamaine Ortiz Aims to Derail Keyshawn Davis’ Undefeated Streak at Madison Square Garden
Wed, 14 Jan 2026“No bad blood from me”- Good friends become better rivals – Clarke is ready for Cruiserweight title Clash March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
Wed, 14 Jan 2026