Nietes to stake IBF title vs Argentine challenger
Three-division world champion Donnie ‘Ahas’ Nietes is aware that he has a couple of years left before hanging his gloves that is why the ALA Gym star wants to further cement his legacy as one of the greatest Filipino world boxing champions.
Nietes (40-1,22KOs), the country’s longest reigning world champion, now trains his sights on his IBF flyweight title defense against mandatory challenger Juan Carlos Reveco (393, 19KOs) of Argentina in November.
Nietes, who previously held court at the WBO minimumweight and light flyweight divisions, said winning his next assignment is very crucial to his next goal and that is to become a unified champion.
“I have nothing else to prove, but it has always been my dream to become a unified champion,” said Nietes in a press conference the other night at the Social in Cebu IT Park. “I think I have two to three years before retiring that is why I want all my goals to be accomplished.”
“I accept the fact that I can’t go heavier than 112 pounds anymore that is why claiming all the belts in my division is my next goal. Reveco is another test for me but I always remain confident. I will ask for a unification fight after this against anyone,” added the fighting pride of Murcia, Negros Occidental.
Aside from Nietes, the flyweight division is also dominated by Japanese champions including Daigo Higa (WBC), Kazuto Ioka (WBA) and Sho Kimura (WBO).
For his part, ALA chief trainer Edito Villamor said that even though they are confident in their ward’s skills, they are not taking chances against the dangerous Reveco.
“Reveco is also a former two-division champ so we can say that he is not an easy challenge for Donnie,” said Villamor. “We just have to prepare well. Donnie has already started training since July and I think he is picking up his condition.”
Reveco gained the right to face Nietes after defeating Komgrich Nantapech of Thailand via unanimous decision last September 8 in Argentina.
Villamor informed that the venue of the fight is under negotiation and there is a possibility that Nietes will defend his title outside of the country.
“Fighting abroad has never been an issue for Donnie. We can face him (Reveco) anywhere even in his own turf,” added Villamor.