Edmund Villamor (left) and Donnie Nietes (right). | Photo from Villamor’s Facebook account.
CEBU CITY, Philippines—Veteran Cebuano boxing trainer Edmund Villamor is glad that his prized ward, four-division world champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes, now has a clearer path in his career after signing with Probellum.
In an interview with CDN Digital, Villamor said that he is happy for Nietes, especially after they faced uncertainty with the latter’s former promoter, the MTK Global and D4G Promotions.
For nearly seven months, Nietes had no scheduled fights whatsoever with his previous promoters after winning the WBO international super flyweight title in April against Pablo Carrillo.
However, right after he signed with Probellum last October 21, Nietes immediately earned a scheduled bout in December this year.
READ: Donnie ‘Ahas’ Nietes signs up with Probellum
“Nalipay sad ko para kang Donnie kay nahatagan na og schedule,” said Villamor.
“Malipayon ko kay naa nay klaro nga mo guide sa career ni Donnie.”
The trainer-boxer tandem of Villamor and Nietes can be traced back to day one of the latter’s career with ALA Boxing Gym in Cebu.
Their partnership has been proven and tested since their heydays with ALA Boxing Gym. Villamor has been a witness to Nietes’s historic milestones in boxing, being the longest-reigning Filipino boxing world champion.
The 39-year old Nietes, who holds a record of 43 wins, one defeat, five draws with 23 knockouts, has been training with Villamor since September at the latter’s co-owned boxing gym, the Villamor Brother’s Boxing Gym in Mandaue City.
When it comes to expectations, Villamor is very ecstatic and optimistic that Probellum can give Nietes the fight he wants in the near future.
Nietes has been calling out the big names in his division for years already. Nietes already showed his intent to fight Roman Gonzales, Juan Francisco Estrada, and Srisaket Sor Rungvisai but was never materialized.
“Expectations nako ani nga promotions mura ug makahatag na gyud ni sila sa dream fight ni Donnie kay isa sad ni sila sa ni guide sa atong Filipino Flash nga si Nonito Donaire,” added Villamor.
Nietes is currently ranked No. 6 in WBC, No. 4 in WBA, and No. 2 in WBO’s super flyweight division.
Probellum has Donaire Jr. as its banner fighter and brand ambassador after the latter signed a promotional contract earlier this month.
READ: Probellum signs 14 boxers
Currently, Probellum only has two Filipino boxers under its fold. They are Nietes and Donaire, both four-division world champions.
/bmjo