Nietes might fight again in September –trainer

Donnie “Ahas” Nietes celebrates along with his team after winning the WBO international super flyweight title versus Pablo Carillo in Dubai, UAE last April 4. | Photo from D4G Promotions

CEBU CITY, Philippines — As he continues to ascend in the latest 115lbs division rankings, the longest-reigning Filipino boxing world champion, Donnie “Ahas” Nietes might start training next month for a possible fight in September.

Nietes’ trusted trainer, Edmund Villamor told CDN Digital that his prized ward is currently enjoying his much-deserved break after winning the World Boxing Organization (WBO) international super flyweight title in stellar fashion versus Colombian Pablo Carillo via unanimous decision.

The 38-year old Nietes defied ring rust and Father Time by beating the younger Carillo in his comeback fight in Dubai, UAE last April 4, 2021. It was Nietes’ first fight in 27 months.

“Busy pa to sige pa to siya ug bike. May tingali mi mag training ug balik pero dili pa full training, light training lang kay murag layo pa sad ang duwa mga September tingali,” said Villamor who trained Nietes since their ALA Boxing Gym days.

After clinching the WBO international super flyweight title, Nietes is now ranked No.3 in the division. He is also ranked No. 6 in the World Boxing Council (WBC).

Two years ago, Nietes lorded over the WBO 115lbs class after beating current champion Kazuto Ioka of Japan via split decision in Macau, China on New Year’s Eve of 2018.

If the fight in September pushes through, Nietes could possibly fight the No. 2 and No. 1 contenders in the WBO.

If it happens, Nietes can fulfill one of his dream fights before he retires after declaring in an earlier interview that he wants to fight the top names in the 115lbs division before he hangs up his boxing gloves for good.

One of the names he mentioned was Srisaket Sor Rungvisai of Thailand who is the top contender in said division.

The No. 2 contender is Mexican Francisco Rodriguez Jr., who Nietes defeated in 2015 to wrest the WBO world light flyweight title at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Aside from Rungvisai, Nietes also wants to face Nicaraguan Roman Gonzales who is ranked WBO No. 4 and WBC No. 2 for his farewell joust.

The pride of Murcia, Negros Occidental is also eyeing Juan Francisco Estrada who is the current world champion in WBC’s super flyweight division.

Nietes has a record of 43 wins, one defeat, and five draws with 23 knockouts.   /rcg