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.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
More lucrative fights await Manny Pacquiao
By Leo Reyes, Thu, 17 Jul 2025Rumors about Pacquiao-Mayweather rematch
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 17 Jul 2025Tapales, Laurente to help Inoue against MJ
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 17 Jul 2025AL BERNSTEIN, CHRISTY MARTIN AND ERIC BOTTJER TO SERVE AS ALL-STAR COMMENTARY TEAM FOR THIS FRIDAY’S ‘LOPEZ VS. VARGAS’ EVENT
Thu, 17 Jul 2025SALITA PROMOTIONS CONGRATULATES SUBRIEL MATIAS ON BECOMING THE WBC SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION
Thu, 17 Jul 2025Gaisano Grand Cup Season 20 opens August 3
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 17 Jul 20253 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Shane Mosley Confirmed for Eighth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Mexican Independence Day Weekend, Saturday September 13, in Las Vegas
Thu, 17 Jul 2025HALL OF FAMER MANNY PACQUIAO SET TO CHASE HISTORY YET AGAIN THIS SATURDAY NIGHT IN WORLD TITLE FIGHT AGAINST MARIO BARRIOS
Wed, 16 Jul 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: New York, a Special Place for Boxing
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 16 Jul 2025Jake Paul-Anthony Joshua talking for a possible fight?
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 16 Jul 2025Philippines Rolls Past Pacific Oceania in Davis Cup Group IV Opener as Cebuana Lhuillier Ambassadors Set the Pace
Wed, 16 Jul 2025QUOTES FROM TONY HARRISON’S OPEN MEDIA WORKOUT TODAY IN DETROIT
Wed, 16 Jul 20253-Time World Champion Miyo Yoshida is tired of playing Boxing’s dreaded waiting game
Wed, 16 Jul 2025RP Blu Girls Dominate India to Strengthen Asia Cup Campaign
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 16 Jul 2025Pacquiao-Barrios Betting Odds in Las Vegas: Where Are Bettors Placing Their Money?
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 16 Jul 2025