NIETES, RODRIGUEZ MEET BUT RESERVE FIREWORKS FOR SATURDAY (PHOTOS)
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 13 Aug 2010
GUASAVE, Sinaloa, Mexico ? WBO Minimumweight Champion Donnie Nietes of the Philippines has come to the Lion's den, the hometown of his challenger Mario Rodriguez, and the two met for the first time during the press conference held at Mariscos La Bahia Restaurant but there were no fireworks as the two spoke softly explaining only their chances to win during Saturday's fight.
Rodriguez (Boxrec: 10-5-3 7KOs) spoke first in front of the local media saying that he was certain to win the fight and capture the belt for the people of Guasave because of his long and hard preparation. When asked about his prediction, Rodriguez said that he can't say what round he will knock Nietes out but if the fight will last the distance, he said he will win it by decision.
Nietes (25-1-3 15KOs) on the other hand said that he will look for knockout during the fight but is also prepared to win the fight by decision.
?I am not in any way afraid of my opponent,? Nietes, who is making defending in Mexico his bread and butter, answered when asked if he thinks his opponent could give him any trouble.
Asked why he always fights in Mexico and not in his home country 'where a great champion is supposed to fight', Nietes elicited a laughter from the crowd by saying ?because I love to fight in Mexico more.?
Sampson Lewkowicz, Nietes's matchmaker and co-promoter of this event, explained that it is difficult at this time to bring the fight to the Philippines because of the hight cost of a world championship fight. Lewkowicz added that by making his third defense inside Mexico, Nietes will be making a history of sorts in his country if he will become successful.
The local media however, threw more questions at local boy 'El Dragoncito' Rodriguez, the Continental American Champion, as if to probe his chances against the confident 'conquistador' and defending champion 'Ahas' Nietes.
Other boxers who were introduced for Saturday's important undercards were attractive Mexican woman boxer Mariana Juarez (25-5-3 11KO), the WBC Interim Flyweight Champion who defends against Diana Gonzalez of Toluca, Mexico; Felipe Salguero (12-2-0 9KO) who goes up against Osvaldo Ibarra and Lewkowicz protege woman boxer Melinda Cooper (20-0-0 11KO) who goes up against Miriam Avila of Tlalnepantla, M?xico.
Diego Morales, brother of Mexican legend Erik Morales, opened the well-attended presscon being the lead promoter bringing a world title fight for the first time in this laid back city facing the Gulf of California whose main industries are aquaculture, livestock and farming.
Top photo: WBO minimumweight champion Donnie Nietes (R) and challenger Mario Rodriguez (L) pose with Mexican Interim Flyweight Champion Mariana Juarez at today's presscon at the Mariscos La Bahia in Guasave, Mexico.
Nietes (R) and Rodriguez face off.
(L-R): Diego Morales, Mario Rodriguez, Donnie Nietes and Sampson Lewkowicz.
Nietes (C) raises his belt after being introduced during the press conference.
Members of Team Nietes pose at Hotel El Sembrador where the team is billeted (L-R): Cutman Dr Ed de la Vega, Trainer Edito Villamor, World Champ Donnie Nietes, Matchmaker and Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz, ALA Vice President Dennis Canete and Trainer Edmund Villamor.
Photos by Dong Secuya.
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