NANTAPECH
Nantapech confident of beating Nietes in Pinoy Pride 40 mainer
International Boxing Federation (IBF) world No. 4 Komgrich “Eaktawan” Nantapech is oozing with confidence he can stop longest-reigning Filipino world champion, Donnie “Ahas” Nietes when they tangle for the IBF world flyweight crown in the main event of Pinoy Pride 40: Domination happening on April 29 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
Nantapech of Thailand has a record of 22 wins and 3 losses but the 27-year old slugger is undefeated in his 15 fights dating back to 2013. A record he is bent on protecting while trying to break Nietes’ legendary mark.
After fellow Thai Srisaket’s shocking win over the previously undefeated anf No. 1 pound-for-pound king Roman Gonzalez, Nantapech disclosed he has more reasons to win for his country.
“It was great to see Srisaket beat Roman Gonzales. It made me feel proud. It was definitely a big upset, and I believe it was a great win for boxing in Thailand,” Nantapech said.
Nantapech revealed he has been training “very hard” for his upcoming fight. Though he admitted that Nietes would be a tough opponent, he disclosed his age and muay thai background will be his advantage over the 34-year old Filipino boxer, come fight night. “My team and I have been studying Nietes’ tapes, so I know this will be an exciting fight,” disclosed Nantapech.
“I see Nietes as a very good boxer and a tough opponent, but I always come to win,” the young Thai added.
Nietes (39-1-4) is currently ranked No. 3 by the IBF flyweight rankings and holds the WBO International Flyweight title. A win over Nantapech will give Nietes his third division world title, a massive motivation for the Murcia, Bacolod native.