NIETES SPARS WITH MAYOL AT WILDCARD
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 13 Feb 2009
WBO minimumweight champion Donnie Nietes sparred with LA-based Filipino contender Rodel Mayol for 4 rounds at the Wildcard Gym in Los Angeles yesterday during the last stage of his preparation to defend his title against Erik Ramirez of Mexico on Feb. 28 at the Auditorio Guelaguetza in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Mayol, a two-time world title challenger, told PhilBoxing after the sparring he was "impressed with Nietes's conditioning and I think he will knock out his opponent." Mayol went on to say that since Nietes is fighting at his opponent's backyard, it is imperative for Nietes knock his opponent out or at least score a knockdown to not leave the outcome of the contest in doubt.
Mayol, who last fought in Mindoro August of last year, admitted he had difficulty sparring against the tip-top conditioned Nietes. "I felt his power punches," Mayol, who himself is well-known to carry power from both of his hands, said.
Top photo: Popular trainer Freddie Roach (R) and WBO champion Donnie Nietes at the Wildcard Gym Wednesday.
Nietes (R) and Mayol spar at the Wildcard Gym on Wednesday.
Nietes (R) and Mayol pose for photo after their sparring session.
Nietes (R) doing the double-ended bag routine closely supervised by trainer Jeremiah Quijano. In the background is trainer Edmund Villamor doing the mitts with AJ Banal.
Photos by Joan Secuya.
On hand to supervise the sparring was newly hired Roach assistant former heavyweight champion Michael Moorer as well as Nietes's regular coaches Edmund Villamor and Jeremiah Quijano. Roach was reported to be busy training Amir Khan of Britain in another room while the Nietes sparring was going on. Khan is preparing for his bout with legendary Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera on March 14 in Lancashire, United Kingdom.
Nietes and his team are scheduled to depart for Mexico on Feb. 23.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
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