It’s going to be payback time for Raul Garcia this Saturday night when he attempts to knock the World Boxing Organization (WBO) light-flyweight crown off Donnie Nietes’ head in their showdown Saturday night in Bacolod City.
Raul vividly remembers the time his twin brother Ramon traveled also to Bacolod in 2011 to challenge Nietes and lost.
“I will try to get back at him and bring the crown to Mexico,” said Garcia, who arrived in the country on Monday night.
Nietes (37-1-4 with 21 KOs) is heavily favored to retain the WBO 108-lb title for the ninth time against Garcia (36-3-1 with 23 KOs) in their scheduled 12-rounder at the La Salle Coliseum.
“A knockout in five rounds, that’s what I’m looking for,” said Garcia, daring Nietes to go toe-to-toe with him.
“If Nietes doesn’t run, a knockout is likely,” said Garcia.
Nietes is already booked to make his second appearance on US soil this September and isn’t taking Garcia for granted.
“I have to win big and that’s what I intend to do,” said Nietes. “He’s as good as his brother. i expect a tough fight against him.”
Spicing up the card dubbed Pinoy Pride 36: A Legend in the Making will be the appearances of one-time world title challenger King Arthur Villanueva and seasoned campaigner Milan Melindo.