The day after he arrived from a month-long stay in the US, Donnie Nietes woke up early Tuesday morning, put on his training gear and sweated it out, jet lag notwithstanding.
Even though Nietes won’t be fighting until March next year, the long-reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) light-flyweight titlist is making sure he won’t be gaining excess poundage in the coming months.
Nietes is coming off the eighth successful defense of his WBO 108-lb crown last Oct. 17 in the US and promoter Michael Aldeguer of ALA Boxing has advised his prized ward about defending the title in his hometown of Bacolod City.
“Hindi naman ako nagpapabaya sa ensayo kahit malayo pa ang laban,” said the 33-year-old Nietes.
Nietes called out WBC flyweight kingpin Roman Gonzalez of Nicaragua following his clear-cut win over Mexican Juan Alejo at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.
On the very same night, Gonzalez had also issued a strong statement by beating up Hawaiian Brian Viloria in New York.
Following his win over Alejo, Nietes attended the WBO convention in Florida where he was declared “super champion” by the WBO’s inner circle, the same accolade given to Manny Pacquiao. (Nick Giongco)