Boxing fans will have to wait a little longer to witness the much anticipated showdown between the longest-reigning Filipino boxing champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes against WBO/WBA world flyweight king Juan Francisco Estrada of Mexico.
This after their titular duel originally scheduled this September, has been moved to next year.
The postponement was due to a directive from the World Boxing Association (WBA) addressed to Estrada’s promoter Fernando Beltran of Zanfer Promotions, ordering his prized ward to fight mandatory challenger Kazuto Ioka of Japan this year for the WBA world flyweight strap.
The information then was relayed to the local media by ALA Promotions International President Michael Aldeguer who manages Nietes.
Estrada was initially tapped by Aldeguer to a super fight versus Nietes on September 24 at the StubHub Center in Carson City, California as the main event of Pinoy Pride 38.
The fight could have been Nietes’ debut in the 112lbs division or the regular flyweight division after more than six years of dominating the lightflyweight (108lbs) class.
Aldeguer and Zanfer Promotions are still negotiating for the Nietes-Estrada fight to happen next year.
Ioka earned a title shot at Estrada after he scored an 11th round knockout against Nicaragua’s Keyvin Lara in Japan last July 20.
ALA Promotions International is expected to announce anytime soon Nietes’ opponent for the September 24 fightcard in California.