DUBAI UAE—“For bringing honor and pride to Filipinos all over the world through boxing, ALA Promotions International and ABS-CBN Sports, confer this Pinoy Pride Hall of Fame Award to Donnie “Ahas” Nietes.”
This was part of the text engraved on a glass trophy that was read by ABS-CBN consultant Peter Musngi during the simple awards rites honoring the longest-reigning Filipino world boxing champion on Friday night during the Duel in Dubai 2 at the Dubai World Trade Center.
Nietes, who broke Gabriel “Fash” Elorde’s record early this year, received the glass trophy from Musngi and ALA International Promotions CEO Michael Aldeguer.
The self-effacing Ilonggo said in his acceptance speech that he was thankful to be given the honor and hopes that this will inspire other young boxers to try and work harder to reach their dreams.
“Nagpasalamat ko sa ALA Promotions sa ABS-CBN, nilang sir Tony ug sir Mike ug labi na sa Ginoo sa opportunity nga makahatag kog kalipay sa akong kapwa Filipinos,” Niets said. “Maayo unta ubang boxers ma inspire pud para makuha nila ilang mga pangarap (I thank ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN, to sir Tony and sir Mike and of course the Lord for the opportunity to make my fellow Filipinos happy. I hope other boxers will also be inspired so they can achieve their goals),” Nietes said.
Nietes remained unbeaten for more than seven years and recently headlined Pinoy Pride 31 in Cebu City.
Tony Aldeguer, the patriarch of the Aldeguer clan who has kept a low profile for over a decade now, was seen in a rare outing climbing onto the ring to join Nietes.
“Kug dili palang gyud tungod ni Donnie, dili unta ko mu saka sa ring (If it weren’t for Donnie, I wouldn’t come up the ring). I just hope that what Donnie has achieved will encourage young fighters to be more serious in their craft,” the famed boxing godfather said.