DONNIE NIETES: ON HUMILITY AND DISCIPLINE
By Chito Yu Katangkatang
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 15 Oct 2009
Bacolod City -- It was a warm Saturday in the City of Smiles and I was enjoying a boxing presentation at the Casino Filipino entitled Triple Assault which featured top boxers in Negros when I noticed a familiar face to any boxing fan. It was our very own WBO Minimumweight Champ and the pride of Bacolod, Donnie “Ahas” Nietes.
The sight of Donnie sitting few seats away from me sent me chills and thrills and gave me the instant idea of getting a candid interview with him after the fight. The Champ was no Mr. Glamour Boy in the venue. He was there enjoying the fight with his fellow Negrenses and smiling and chatting with everybody like old friends. After the main event, I went for my souvenir picture and ambush interview. Donnie was in no hurry so I had my lucky time with the Champ:
Chito: Kumusta Donnie! Congratulations on your latest victory. How’s everything going?
Donnie: I’m back to training for my next title defense. I just went here coz I was requested by Commissioner Guanzon to be the Guest of Honor. But I can’t even enjoy the Masskara Festival. I need to go back to Cebu tomorrow to resume my training.
Chito: Who’s gonna be the next victim?
Donnie: According to my manager it’s another Mexican named Ivan Meneses. The fight will be on December 5 and the bout will be co featured with the fight of Brian Viloria.
Chito: Champ, I saw your fight with Manuel Vargas, you did very well against another strong and aggressive fighter? It showed the boxing world that you can maintain your speed and strength up to the last round. You have a lot of gas in you compared to other boxers of your league. What’s your secret?
Donnie: I have one secret and it’s called discipline. I don’t drink alcohol during my training regimes. The only moment I enjoy beer is during victory parties after every fight. It feels good not only because I miss beer but it eases away the muscle pains from the punches I took during the fight. (Laughs)
Chito: Yah I’ve heard from people at ALA that you’re the most disciplined fighter in the stable. Any plans of fighting other champs at Minimumweight and unify the belts?
Nietes (L) with the author.
Donnie: Just like Idol Manny Pacquiao, I am just a fighter. I will fight anybody placed in front of me. But who to fight next is the job of my manager. But hey, I really wish to get more belts and achieve more before I get old in the sport.
Chito: Champ, I couldn’t thank you more. I really compliment you for remaining humble despite the honor and pride you’ve given our nation. Keep it up idol. Keep on making Bacolod and our Country Proud. Salamat kaayo Dons. I will see you in your December fight. Ayo ayo bai! God bless!
Donnie: Thanks pod bai. Ayo ayo!
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Chito Yu Katangkatang.
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