THREE-DIVISION world champion Donnie Nietes is unfazed by Aston Palicte’s size and youth, and is confident of a victory this weekend in their all-Filipino world championship fight for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) super flyweight belt in one of the main features of Superfly 3 at the Forum in Inglewood, California.
The 36-year-old Nietes, currently ranked No. 9 in The Ring pound-for-pound rankings, is even looking forward to bigger fights in the super flyweight division.
“I know Aston is taller and younger than me, but I know how to fight tall fighters and my experience will be a big factor in the fight. I am happy for this fight and the exposure that it will bring me. There are a lot of good fighters in the super flyweight division and I look forward to fighting Juan Francisco Estrada if we both win on Sept. 8 at the Forum,” said Nietes.
Estrada is fighting fellow Mexican Felipe Orucuta in the main event of Superfly 3.
Palicte, 27, insists that his sheer size, speed and youth will win him the fight. He even predicted a knockout, which has never been done by 46 of Nietes’ previous opponents.
“I am the stronger, faster fighter in this bout and I need to take advantage of my height and reach. I believe I can knock out Nietes and make a name for myself with this win. If not by knockout I will get a decision. This is a fantastic fight for all Filipino boxing fans and we will continue the great tradition of Filipino boxing into the ring on Sept. 8 at the Forum,” he said.
Nietes is gunning for his fourth division world title, a feat that has been done by just two other Filipinos—Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire Jr. He has an impressive record of 41-1-4 with 23 knockouts.
Palicte, who’s still untested at this level, is 24-2 with 20 knockouts. (RSC)