PINOY PRIDE 18: CHAMPION VS CHAMPION IN CEBU
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 17 Jan 2013
CEBU CITY ? World championship boxing returns to Cebu City on March 2 when WBO light flyweight champion Donnie 'Ahas? Nietes of the Philippines defends his title against WBO minimumweight champion Moises Fuentes of Mexico at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel.
ALA Promotions made the official announcement today in a press conference held at the Sarrosa International Hotel in Mabolo, Cebu City ending weeks of speculation about the venue of Nietes' next title defense.
?When I learned that Nietes? mandatory challenger was Moises Fuentes, I realized that the fight will be tough, both in and out of the ring,? ALA Promotions CEO Michael Aldeguer said, referring to the long negotiation that followed which eventually led to the fight being brought to the ALA home base and the city known was the nerve center of boxing in the Philippines.
?Fuentes will be entering the ring as the reigning minimumweight champion. This is what makes the event historic. For the first time in Cebu, two world champions will be fighting each other,? Aldeguer added.
The 27 year old Fuentes (16W-1L, 8 KO?s) won his title by beating countryman Raul Garcia by split decision last August 2011. His best performance was against Ivan Calderon, a long reigning two division champion from Puerto Rico, who was stopped in five rounds when he challenged Fuentes.
Nietes, however, was not impressed by Fuentes? performance. ?Calderon was already past his prime when he fought Fuentes. I?m still in my prime. I will try my best to retain my title.?
The 30 year old Nietes (31W-1L-3D, 17 KO?s) has stayed in shape since his last fight in November against Thai Danai Meendaeng. The Bacolod City native is known for defending his WBO minimumweight title thrice in Mexico.
?I just continued to train after my last fight. If I was told that this fight would be held in Mexico, I would have no problems fighting there for the fourth time. As long as I train and stay in shape,? Nietes said. The champion looked fit and trim and his current weight is very manageable when the time comes for him to go down to 108 lbs.
ALA Gym trainer Edmund Villamor is confident that they have the right game plan to beat Fuentes' aggressive fighting style.
Nietes also reigned as WBO minimumweight champion with four title defenses from 2007 to 2011 making him the second longest reigning world champ in Philippine history next to the great Flash Elorde. In his first defense as minimumweight champion, he knocked out Eddy Castro in two rounds last August 2008 in what would be the last world title fight held at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel. Nietes won his second world title in Bacolod City last October 2011, when he dethroned WBO lt. flyweight champ Ramon Garcia Hirales of Mexico by unanimous decision. He defended his title last year against another Mexican, Felipe Salguero by unanimous decision at the Resorts World in Pasay City.
Also set to appear on the undercards is undefeated WBO Asia- Pacific super bantamweight champion Genesis ?Azukal? Servania (19W-0L, 6 KO?s) who will face a yet to be named opponent. Jimrex "The Executioner" Jaca (36W-6L-3D, 20 KO's) is also another name mentioned to add spice in the supporting bouts.
Philboxing contributor Mike Lopez announced during the press conference that he got a message from Fuentes? manager Jorge Barrera who said that they are looking forward to fighting here in Cebu and that Barrera compared Nietes to the legendary Mexican champion and Hall of Famer Ricardo Lopez.
Top photo: Donnie 'Ahas' Nietes poses in front of the banner announcing his upcoming title defense against Mexican champion Moises Fuentes on March 2, 2013 at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City during Thursday's press conference held at the Sarrosa Hotel in Cebu City.
L-R: Genesis Servania, ALA Promotions President Michael Aldeguer and Nietes.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
ABAP feels WB’s growing pains
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 10 Sep 2025Laurente is new Philippine super featherweight champ
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 10 Sep 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 8 SEPTEMBER 2025: Nunez Outpoints Diaz; Iglesias Stops Shishkin; Valdez, Conlan Register Wins in Return
By Eric Armit, Tue, 09 Sep 2025Dante Kirkman Stays Undefeated Triumphing with Dominant Unanimous Decision Win
Tue, 09 Sep 2025Dream fight for Steven Sumpter vs. Undefeated Bek Nurmaganbet This Wednesday at Fontainebleau Las Vegas during ‘Canelo vs. Crawford’ Week
Tue, 09 Sep 2025Yoseline Perez and Malachi Georges Advance to Quarterfinals with Wins on Day Five of World Boxing Championships
Tue, 09 Sep 2025GM candidate Ronald Dableo's squad rules Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso Inter-Barangay Chess Team Tournament, pockets P150,000
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 09 Sep 2025Saggap, Manayon top Heritage Aquathlon
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 09 Sep 2025Rizal Memorial Coliseum: The Arena That Endured War and Forged Generations of Filipino Greats
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Tue, 09 Sep 2025“The Homecoming” turned into Coronation for Marco Romero
Tue, 09 Sep 2025Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz Speaks After Pushing Eduardo Nunez to the Limit in Thrilling War – A Potential Fight of the Year
Tue, 09 Sep 2025Santisima Wins But Vicelles Loses; Suarez-Navarrete Rematch Hangs in the Balance?
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 08 Sep 2025Locked & loaded for Lewis Crocker rematch, Paddy Donovan has prepared to be crowned the new IBF Welterweight World Champion
Mon, 08 Sep 2025Robby Gonzales Advances to Round of 16 with Win Over Cuba
Mon, 08 Sep 2025James Padua rules Marikina rapid chess championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 08 Sep 2025