DONNIE NIETES QUIETLY TOILS IN THE BACKGROUND
By Ed de la Vega, DDS
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 04 Sep 2009
LOS ANGELES -- If one would browse the web about Filipino boxers who are now in the forefront, the name of Donnie Nietes would not be at the top, at least in the news reports.
That does not seem to be quiet right, as the young man from the ALA Gym in Cebu is a legitimate World Champion!
In the past weeks all one would see and read would be about the others, notably Manny Pacquiao. But, then again that is rightly so as the man known as Pacman is the best pound4pound boxer in the world at present, the return of the big mouth Floyd Mayweather Jr. notwithstanding.
But next to Pacquiao, lately more news had been about the others who are only contending for a world title, let alone having held one. Sure, they have a better than a great chance of winning one, but just the same they do not have a world title in hand. At least, not yet.
Please don’t get me wrong. I am not complaining about what the others are getting in terms of exposure. I am complaining about what Nietes does not.
Being a champion separates Nietes from the others. And, he had successfully defended his title. And he did it away from home.
And, he is about to do it again on September 12th.
That alone should merit him more press.
Donnie Nietes is invading Nayarit, Mexico to defend his title against a home town boy, Manuel Vargas. The Mexican challenger holds a very respectable record of 26-3-1, (11K0) He is the current Interim WBO Minimum weight champion, therefore a formidable opponent.
Realistically, Donnie deserves more ink that what he had been getting lately. After all, if he did not win the WBO Minimum weight title, the Philippines would have one less champion. With Gerry Penalosa giving up his bantamweight title, all the country now has is Pacquiao, Donaire and Viloria, besides Nietes.
It seems that the lack of ink spread for Nietes can be traced to the fact that he is a fighting on the lightest weight division, the 108 lbs limit. Except in certain countries like Mexico and in Asia, such division does not draw much attention. Therefore, less money. And, less money would ultimately lead to less interest and thus less press.
On top of that Nietes has a naturally quiet demeanor. And much like his pet snake, he would rather do his talking through his actions.
But regardless, as I previously mentioned, he is a current world champion. If we then base the amount of press he deserves on his ring achievements, certainly he deserves more than what he has been getting lately.
But, press or no press Nietes knows his responsibilities. And, he understands what his exploits on the ring will mean to his future, his family and the glory of his country. Thus, he toils quietly in the background to get that done.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ed de la Vega, DDS.
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