Zanfer, ALA Promotions Int’l eye Nietes-Fuentes III

A THIRD part for one of the most riveting rivalries in boxing between the longest reigning Filipino world boxing champion Donnie Nietes and former world titlist Moises Fuentes looms even larger, as both camps wait for the go signal from the World Boxing Organization (WBO) to start the negotiations.

Nietes and Fuentes’ rivalry is one of the most action-packed boxing fans have seen in the past years. Their first encounter in 2013 ended in an epic draw at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino when they clashed for the WBO world light flyweight title held that time by Nietes.

Then on their rematch in May 2014, Nietes reaffirmed his status as king of the light flyweight division when he knocked out his Mexican rival in the ninth round at the roaring SM Mall of Asia Arena in Metro Manila.

After that lopsided win by Nietes (37-1-4,21KOs), nobody thought a third offering would be possible.

But Fuentes crawled back into the rankings by stringing four straight wins. He is the current WBO NABO Light flyweight champion with 23 wins including 12 knockouts coupled with two losses and a draw. He is the current No. 1 contender for Nietes’ WBO title.

In a report from Philboxing.com, Zanfer Promotions of Mexico and the country’s premier boxing promotions ALA Promotions International both expressed willingness to follow the WBO directive. Both parties plan to stage the fight this May at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).

WBO Asia-Pacific head Leon Panoncillo earlier told sportswriters that the final approval of the title fight will be made by the WBO Championships Committee and president Paco Valcarcel. However, if “the parties don’t agree, there will be a purse bid,” Panoncillo clarified.