OUR very own Donnie "Ahas" Nietes will once again put his WBO World Title belt on the line as he defends against Mario "Dragoncito" Rodriguez on Saturday, August 14 (Sunday Morning Philippine Time) in Sinaloa, Mexico.
This will be Donnie's fourth title defense and his third one on Mexican Soil.
Nietes was successful in his last three defenses as he knocked out Eddy Castro in the second round, beat Erik Ramirez via UD and won over Manuel Vargas via split decision.
All three challengers were Mexicans and the last two bouts were fought in Mexico. Hence, Nietes is not a stranger when it comes to fighting on enemy territory.
In an online interview with the pride of Murcia, Nietes told this writer that he will exhaust everything to win in every round and will do his best to score a knock-out to avoid any possibility of a hometown decision.
He said he has learned lessons from the losses of Mayol and Casimero and he cannot afford to give away his crown that easy.
ALA Gym top coach Edito Villamor gave a confident remark that Nietes is on the top of his shape and is in his best condition ever.
The Nietes vs. Rodriguez fight will be aired via delayed telecast on GMA 7 at 3Pm on Sunday, August 15, 2010. (With reports from Chito Y. Katangkatang)