WHILE doing the commentary for HBO during the Donnie Nietes- Juan Carlos Reveco matchup, analyst Max Kellerman offered an interesting assessment of Nietes.
There was something that Kellerman said which made me pause and reflect. He opined that Donnie had “forced” himself to be considered among the pantheon of great Filipino fighters such as Pancho Villa, Gabriel Flash Elorde and of course, Manny Pacquiao.
Forced seemed an inappropriate word at that time, but on hindsight, it was actually apropos to the arduous climb that Donnie took in order to be where he is now.
JOURNEY. Initially not even considered as a fighter, Donnie started as a janitor and worked his way up to superstardom.
Consider his body of work:
He is the longest-reigning Filipino world champion and hasn’t lost a fight since 2004. He is a four-time world champion in three weight divisions and has yet to taste defeat in 17 world title fights.
He has earned the ring moniker “Mexican Executioner” having defeated seven Mexicans consecutively in a three year-span.
STYLE. Like fine wine, Donnie has only gotten better with age as his most impressive performances took place after he turned 30.
His most recent victory over Reveco broadcast over HBO last Sunday showcased his talent over a worldwide audience and potentially opened up several match-making opportunities.
It’s a pity that this came only now that he is 35 years of age but at the press conference the other day to welcome the hometown hero, “Ahas” vowed to continue fighting as long as his body will allow it.
WARD. The comparison to Andre Ward by Max Kellerman was also quite believable.
Ward who was also part of the HBO commentating team, is a fighter who is a master at the economy of movement. There are few wasted punches, and every move is a made by design, calculated to achieve a desired result.
Donnie fights similarly and likes to adapt to his opponent’s fighting style and is a master at making adjustments to his strategy mid-fight.
Looks like Donnie is now belatedly being given the credit he so richly deserves.
Better late than never, champ.
VERBATIM. “I have that ability to do anything I want. I am the most dangerous man in the division, hands down. There hasn’t been anyone I have fought that I haven’t knocked out.”—Deontay Wilder who fights Luis Ortiz this Sunday (www.badlefthook.com)
FACEBOOK Live. Join us tomorrow social media peeps on Facebook Live as Donnie Nietes visits the SunStar Cebu Office for an interview around 11 a.m.
LAST ROUND. It’s on Ahlmers Ibones who recently celebrated her birthday. Cheers!