ARE Mexicans afraid of Donnie Nietes?
Just weeks before Nietes’ defense of his World Boxing Organization mini-flyweight championship, Nietes’ challenger has been changed twice.
However, the game of “musical chairs” doesn’t bother the champ, who is set to defend his title on home soil for the first time after two successful defenses in Mexico, against Mexicans.
“Donnie’s always prepared for any changes,” ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer told Sun.Star Cebu. “He has a very good conditioning and is very dedicated.”
Nietes was originally scheduled to face Ivan Meneses but for some reason the Mexican backed out.
Mexican warrior Sammy Gutierrez stepped in and replaced Meneses but he didn’t come to terms with his promoters, so he too was replaced.
Confidence
Cue in Jesus Silvestre, another up-and-coming fighter from Mexico.
Despite Aldeguer’s confidence in the 27-year-old Nietes, he is a little concerned about the last-minute change of foes because Nietes’ camp has already trained for Meneses’ style.
“I’m concerned because it affects the training and the battle plan,” said Aldeguer.
Aldeguer believes that Silvestre, who is 15-1 with 12 knockouts, will be a tough customer because he has nothing to lose and everything to gain in this fight, that’s why Nietes is taking this bout very seriously.
Dangerous
“We might not know what to expect because any replacement is dangerous,” said Aldeguer. “Any young fighter willing to come to hostile country is very dangerous.”
Brian Viloria will headline this boxing extravaganza in his second title defense of his International Boxing Federation light flyweight crown.
He will be facing Colombian Carlos Tamara.
Also scheduled in the fight card are Cebu-based fighters Jimrex Jaca and 17-year-old ALA Gym phenom Jason Pagara.
Jaca will be up against Eddy Comaro in his ring return after more than a year, while Pagara will be facing knockout artist Ramadhan Weriuw.