WORLD Boxing Organization (WBO) light flyweight champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes can rewrite history as the longest-reigning Filipino boxing titlist if he can keep his title until December 31 of this year.
The 32-year-old "Ahas,” native of Murcia and pride of Bacolod City, has 33 wins, 4 losses and one draw with 19 KOs to his credit. The former utility worker of ALA Boxing Stable in Cebu has held the world championship title since 2007 following a unanimous decision over Thai Pornsawan Porpramook for the WBO minimumweight belt.
Presently, Filipino boxing legend Gabriel “Flash” Elorde holds the record as the longest reigning champion in seven years and three months from 1960 to 1967. Nietes is just six months away from replacing the late boxing idol.
ALA Promotions Vice President and General Manager Dennis Canete, meanwhile, said they are looking to bring Donnie's next fight in Los Angeles, California in November.
The ALA official explained that the heavy presence of Latinos in L.A. will be good for the first Pinoy Pride presentation in the United States. Nietes welcomes this opportunity to fight in the US and he’s ready for it – whoever the opponent is and wherever it will be.
"Ahas" has finally made his answer to those who were in doubt of his being a world champion after he knocked out Mexican challenger Moises “Moi” Fuentes in 2:56 minutes of the ninth round in the “Pinoy Pride 25: The Rematch for Glory” held last May 10 at the Mall of Asia arena.
Nietes came into the fight different from his old self, showing good lateral movement in the ring and landing sharp punches on his Mexican rival who went aggressive in the third round. Nietes’ counter punching kept the champion in control as Fuentes kept missing in the following rounds.
Donnie caught him with a powerful punch that sent the Mexican into the canvas. The challenger got up, fought back, but the screaming crowd pushed Nietes for a strong finish, Fuentes, his ego hurt and his body taking its toll, was saved by American referee Robert Byrd who stopped the contest.