SNAKE EYES II - “Ahas” Nietes Returns to Mexico
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 07 Jul 2009
Through the years, most world boxing champions from Asia developed an unpleasant reputation for extending their reigns by defending almost exclusively at home.
Donnie Nietes, unfortunately, does not have that luxury. For the second time in five months, he leaves his pet python behind and will be defending his WBO minimumweight world title once again in his challenger's home ground. His opponent on July 18, Manuel “Chango” Vargas (25 wins (11 KO's), 3 L and 1 D) won the interim WBO 105 lb. title from Colombian Daniel Reyes by fourth round KO last December 2008. There is a video of that fight on the internet which shows Vargas attacking the body early and going for wide but powerful hooks to the head.
Detailed descriptions of Vargas' other fights are scarce on the internet but there are reports that describe him as a technician who likes to go to the midsection. This surely plays a significant part in Team Nietes' preparation.
The 28 year old Vargas has fought only once outside of Mexico, where he lost to Rayonta Whitfield by 12 round majority decision in the U.S. last April 2008. He is listed as 5'6" and would have the height advantage over the 5'3" Nietes.
Nietes beat Erik Ramirez by 12 round unanimous decision last February in Oaxaca, Mexico. The Mexican was knocked down four times in rounds one, five, nine and twelve but one judge had Nietes only two points ahead at the end. This underscores the perils and unpredictability of fighting abroad.
Nietes has a record of 24 W(KO 14) - L 1 - D 3 .The master himself, Freddie Roach has been helping out in Nietes’ training and this will be a huge boost in his preparation. The 27-year-old is the only world champion from the ALA Gym of Cebu. His third title defence was in limbo a couple of months ago because of the swine flu virus which originated in Mexico.
Stablemate AJ Banal will once again accompany Nietes and is reported to be lined up to fight in the undercard. When Nietes beat Ramirez, Banal served as cheerer and “body guard”. Pinoy boxing fans hope that he will continue to be Nietes' good luck charm.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
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