Monday, August 25, 2008 Nietes’ long layoff worries Aldeguer
ALL is going well for World Boxing Organization Intercontinental super bantamweight king Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista (25-1, 18 KOs) and WBO mini flyweight champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes (22-1-3, 13 KOs) in their preparation for their title defenses on Aug. 30 at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu.
ALA Promotions President Michael Aldeguer told Sun.Star Cebu that Bautista and Nietes are doing well in their training and that Bautista has already reached over 100 rounds of sparring.
“They’re both very prepared. They’re excited to fight,” said Aldeguer in an interview.
Aldeguer believes that the 22-year-old Boholano boxer has learned a lot since his first defeat against former WBO super bantam weight titleholder Daniel Ponce De Leon and that he won’t repeat those mistakes against his Mexican challenger Eden Marquez (16-3-3, 12 KOs).
“Boom Boom has matured a lot since he was defeated. He has adjusted,” said Aldeguer.
Layoff
Bautista was knocked out by De Leon in the first round of their world championship battle last year. Since then “Boom Boom” has shown two impressive fights defeating Antonio Meza via a 12-round unanimous decision and destroying Genaro Camargo in the second round of their battle.
Meanwhile, Aldguer is worried about Nietes’ long layoff from the ring, which is almost a year, but is certain that everything will be fine for the WBO champion because is an established fighter.
“He might be rusty but we have already paced him,” said Aldeguer.
Nietes last fight was last Sept. 30 when he had a unanimous victory against Pornsawan Kratingdaenggym and captured the vacant WBO belt.
Although Nietes is not as popular as his fellow ALA boys Bautista, Z “The Dream” Gorres and AJ “Bazooka” Banal, Aldeguer feels he is just as effective and is hungry to gain the respect that he rightfully deserves from everyone.
“Donnie wants respect. He is not as popular but he gets the job done,” said Aldeguer.
Nietes is set to face WBO rated No.9 Eddy Castro (12-3-1, 9 KOs) of Nicaragua.
On the other hand, Castro along with trainer Ernesto Jose Castro arrived yesterday, while Marquez is set to arrive today with handler Fernando Dominguez and trainer Edmundo Gaitan.
Both challengers will be in a public workout on Aug. 27 at the ALA Gym in Banilad Town Center at 4 p.m.
ALA fighters also slated to fight on the “Night Of Champions” fight card are 16-year old boxing phenomenon Jason Pagara (14-1, 8 KOs), Jomanz Omanz (11-1, 6 KOs), Weng Haya (10-1, 5 KOs), Rey Las Pinas (4-1, 1 KO) and Jerson Mancio (2-0-1). (EKA)
