Nietes
Three-division champion Donnie Nietes confident of winning because of maturity
In any form of competition, experience is always a key to winning.
So for the three-division world champion, Donnie “Ahas” Nietes, experience will be his key to winning in a fight against a taller and younger Aston “Mighty” Palicte on September 8 at The Forum in California, USA.
Nietes is gunning for a fourth world title in this rare all-Filipino title match for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) world super flyweight title.
“My advantage against him will be my experience,” said the 36-year-old Nietes. “He lacks the experience, and that for me would be his weakness against me.”
Nietes, one of the most celebrated Filipino boxing world champions, has not shown any signs of slowing down despite fighting in the ring for 15 years already. He is now training in Los Angeles to prepare for his fight against Palicte, one of three main events of the Super Fly 3 fight card of HBO Boxing.
Palicte is nine years younger than Nietes at 27 and has a very promising resume with an unbeaten record of 24 wins with 20 of those wins by knockouts.
Nietes, on the other hand, has 41 victories (23 knockouts), one defeat and four draws.
No pressure
Nietes said the age factor isn’t an issue.
“I feel the same energy and condition as when I was a young boxer. I am also very focused in my training right now and I don’t even feel any pressure for this fight,” said Nietes, who is a native of Murcia, Negros Occidental and the ace boxer of ALA Boxing Gym.
Just like any champion, Nietes said that he is confident enough to win the bout and become a four-division world champion.
“His height doesn’t matter to me, I’ve sparred taller and bigger boxers, I’ve fought and won against taller opponents. This is boxing, not basketball, maybe even in basketball I can beat him,” added Nietes.
The last time an all-Filipino world title showdown in boxing happened was last May 26 when Nietes’ stablemate Jonas Sultan faced IBF world super flyweight king Jerwin Ancajas in Fresno, California. Ancajas won by unanimous decision.
“What I can promise to Filipino boxing fans is that me and my opponent will give our best in this fight. We will make sure that this fight will be exciting,” Nietes said.