For maintaining his unbeaten run that stretches back to 2004 and keeping his light-flyweight crown for the eighth time recently, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) yesterday installed the title of super champion to Donnie Nietes during its annual convention in Orlando, Florida.
The coveted title was the same that was given to Manny Pacquiao by the WBO for his splendid showing as welterweight champion.
Nietes, 33, made the eighth defense last Oct. 17 with a clear-cut decision win over Juan Alejo of Mexico at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.
Nietes is in Orlando attending the convention and will be on hand when the bigwigs of the boxing body formally hands over the award.
Before Nietes captured the 108-lb crown in 2011, he also reigned as minimumweight (105 lbs) champion in 2007 and had four successful defenses.
The last time Nietes lost was in September 2004 in Jakarta.