AS HIS title defense draws closer, two-division world champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes is getting more confident that he can knock out WBO World Minimumweight champion Francisco “Chihuas”
Rodriguez Jr. in their world title showdown, serving as the main event of the Pinoy Pride 30: Clash of the World Champions slated July 11 at the Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
Nietes (35-1, 21KOs) reiterated his desire to knock out Rodriguez after strutting his wares in a public sparring session last Saturday at the ALA Fitness Gym in Banilad Town Center.
Rodriguez Jr. (17-2, 11KOs) snatched the WBO world minimumweight title last year from Nietes’ fellow Ilonggo and stablemate Merlito Sabillo in Mexico.
“ I am very confident of beating him and knocking him out. I’ve been training very hard since April,” said Nietes, the defending WBO World light flyweight . “I can knock him out but I can’t tell what round will it come.”
The fight was supposed to be held on July 4, but it was moved back after a reported injury that Rodriguez Jr. suffered.
Nietes said the Mexican boxer is just making up an excuse.
“He is not injured, it’s ridiculous. He is just making up an excuse because I think he can’t make the weight.” Nietes said.
Nietes said they already covered ninety percent of their training.
Nietes was sharp in the sparring session where he went up against fellow ALA Boxing Gym boxers Raul Yu, Virgil Vitor and former world title challenger Rocky Fuentes.
The upcoming event will also have Mark ‘Magnifico’ Magsayo (10-0, 8KOs) taking on Mexican Rafael ‘Guerrito” Reyes (16-4, 12KOs) for the IBF Youth featherweight belt.
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