Nietes, Sabillo put WBO title belts on line in Pinoy Pride 23

A DOUBLE world championship featuring titleholders Donnie Nietes and Merlito Sabillo headline the 23rd edition of Pinoy Pride on Nov. 30 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The 29-year-old Sabillo dangles his World Boxing Organization minimumweight crown against Carlos Buitrago of Nicaragua, while Nietes stakes his WBO light flyweight title against a yet-to-be-named opponent.

The organizing ALA Boxing Promotions is still negotiating with the camp of Colombian Gabriel Mendoza to face Nietes.

Both Nietes and Sabillo are coming off successful title defenses in Cebu and at Solaire Hotel, respectively, this year.

“This is the biggest event and biggest budgeted fight card ALA Promotions will have as it will feature no less than two world championship fights,” said ALA Boxing vice president Dennis Cañete during the launch of the “Filipinos Kontra Latinos” card yesterday at Shakey’s Malate.

It will be the first double world championship to be held at the Big Dome since 2009, when Nonito Donaire Jr. and Brian Viloria fought in the same card.