FINALLY: NIETES VS. VARGAS
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 06 Sep 2009
Barring any unforeseen events like an alien invasion, a nuclear holocaust or a “rib injury”, the thrice postponed Donnie Nietes vs. Manuel Vargas WBO minimumwieght world title bout will finally push through this September 12 in Nayarit, Mexico.
The Nietes-Vargas showdown was originally set on May 16 and was moved to July 18 because of swine flu ( A(H1N1) virus) which originated in Mexico. It was then rescheduled to August 1, but was postponed anew after the local sponsors backed out. Nietes reacted to the postponements like a true seasoned professional. He religiously continued his training at the Freddie Roach's Wild Card Gym in California.
The 27 year old Nietes’ record is 24W-1L-3D with 14 KO’s. Two years ago, he won the vacant WBO world minimumweight world title against Porswan Kratingdaengym of Thailand by unanimous decision in Cebu City. Last year he successfully defended his title for the first time when he knocked out Eddy Castro of Nicaragua in the 2nd round. Last February 2009, Nietes showed he can win on the road when he beat Mexican Erik Ramirez by 12 round unanimous decision in Oaxaca, Mexico for his second title defence. Nietes is ranked number 6 by Ring Magazine among the top ten 105 pound fighters in the world. His stable mate, Milan Melindo is ranked number 5.
His opponent, 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. The 28 year old challenger 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. Based on videos seen on the net, Vargas likes to go to the midsection and has a tendency to throw wide but powerful hooks.
Nietes will be together with ALA stablemate Z Gorres who will be fighting grizzled Mexican veteran Cruz Carbajal in the undercard of Top Rank’s highly popular boxing series “Latin Fury” on Sept. 12 (September 13 A.M. Manila Time). This fight card features the Son of the Legend Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. vs. Jason LeHoullier.
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