The rigid grind continues for Donnie “Ahas” Nietes despite the recent postponement of his world title fight against WBO World minimumweight champion Francisco “Chihuas” Rodriguez Jr. of Mexico.
The longest reigning Filipino world boxing champion and reigning WBO world light flyweight king will now defend his crown on July 11 instead of July 4 in the main event of Pinoy Pride 31: Clash of World Champions.
ALA Promotions International, which is handling Nietes’ career recently announced the postponement after it was learned that Rodriguez (17-2-1, 11KOs) suffered a minor ankle injury during training.
Edmund Villamor, who trains Nietes (35-1-4, 21KOs) said the re-scheduling of the world title bout slated at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino won’t create any problem for his ward.
Nietes’ training camp has been running for two months already in Cebu and Manila under the supervision of Villamor and American strength and conditioning trainer Nick Curson.
Meanwhile, ALA chief trainer Edito Villamor believes the postponement is actually to Nietes’ advantage.
“More on advantage sa side namo and wala na mi adjustments gibuhat kay one week ra man na move ang fight,” Edito said in a text message to CDN. “Continue ra mi pag perfect sa amo fight strategy,” he added.
Also undergoing intensive training is one of ALA Boxing Gym’s top prospects Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo (10-0, 8KOs) who will put his unbeaten record at stake against his first Mexican opponent, Rafael “Guerrito” Reyes (16-4, 12KOs) in the 126 lbs division for 10-rounds.
To fight in the undercard are ALA Boxing Gym pugs Kevin Jake Cataraja, Roli Gasca, Elmo Traya, Raul Yu, Virgel Vitor and Vic Saludar.