Friday, April 20, 2007 Nietes vows to keep crown via KO By Henry C. Villalva
THE manager of Thai challenger Tongthailex Por Vorasing initially boasted his ward will KO Negrense champion Donnie 'The Snakeman' Nietes in the first round but later backtracked and said it will be in the fifth.
But Nietes, of Murcia, Negros Ocidental native who is defending his World Boxing Organization Asia Pacific Mini-Flyweight title on Saturday, April 21 as the main event of 'Title Clash sa Victorias' at the New Victorias City Sports Complex said he will retain his crown by knocking out his opponent via knockout in either the sixth or seventh round.
Both boxers, together with the other protagonists in the nine-bout promotion, which is part of the inaugural activities of the new sports facility in Victorias City, met members of the Bacolod media Thursday afternoon, at the Chowking restaurant along Gatuslao Street, Bacolod City.
Also present during the said media briefing were Negros Amateur Boxing Association (Naba) officials led by Juan Ramon 'Monju' Guanzon, president and Vic Tan, treasurer.
Also present were WBO vice-president for Asia Pacific Leon Panoncillo who will supervise the staging of the event and Cebu-based promoter Sammy Gello-ani of the SSG Sorts Promotion.
The other title bout tomorrow will feature Mark Jason Melligen of Barangay Pahanocoy, Bacolod City who will fight against Davao city's Christopher Saluday for the vacant Super-lightweight championship of the
Philippines.
Other bouts are between Reman Salim versus Joel dela Cruz, Franklin Albia versus Marjo Borres, Jun Intor versus Ricky Sismundo, Mark Gil Melligen versus Markyll Toraja, Cadiz City's Warlito Parrenas versus former Palarong Pambansa champion and Barangay Granada SK Chairman Gerald Nietes who will be fighting his first pro bout against Tata Galendez of Butuan City in four rounds of boxing.
Tickets for the event are priced at P300, P200, P100, and P30 for general admission/bleachers available from any Naba member and at the gate prior to fight time Saturday.
