LOOKS like the rematch between Donnie Nietes and Aston Palicte will become a fruition after all. It’s not really the most attractive option for Nietes at this point in his career but apparently no other major fights could be drawn up, thereby relegating him to comply with WBO regulations.
The fight most fans would probably want to see is Nietes (42-1, 23 KOs) against Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, who is currently the WBC superflyweight champion and is also The Ring Magazine champion. Another fighter on Ahas’ wish list has always been Roman Gonzalez.
Despite sufffering consecutive losses against Sor Rungvisai , Gonzalez has seemingly resurrected his career with a kayo win over former champion Moises Fuentes, himself a former Nietes victim.
PALICTE. After salvaging a draw against Nietes last September, Palicte (25-2, 21 KOs) went on to defeat Jose Martinez via 2nd round stoppage. For his part, Donnie went on to defeat the formidable Kazuto Ioka via split decision.
This accomplishment seemed to set up Donnie for bigger fights, but apparently he still has some unfinished business with his compatriot.
Maybe it’s for the best. For years, Filipino fighters have been tiptoeoing across each other trying to avoid all-Pinoy matchups, but of late, everybody has realized it is inevitable with so many good fighters huddled across a few weight divisions.
Obviously Nietes is the more popular fighter, but Palicte is starting to make a name for himself.
As an amateur, he represented the country at the 2008 AIBA Youth World Championships in Mexico. He is now based in the US, and is being promoted by the legendary Roy Jones Jr.
In their first fight, I thought he was lucky to get a draw but he did win a few rounds, making Donnie uncomfortable with his long reach and thudding jab.
He might put on a better show the next time around, so this rematch has potential to be a barnburner.
VERBATIM. “I’m putting the money up right now. If Ryan Garcia can beat ‘Rolly,’ I’ll give him $200,000 cash.”-- Floyd Mayweather Jr, publicly challenging Garcia to fight Gervonta Davis.
LAST ROUND. It’s on Atty Oscar Tan Jr, who celebrates his birthday today. Cheers!