Nietes, Sabillo stake crowns vs Latino foes

Filipino champions Donnie Nietes and Merlito Sabillo stake their world crowns against dangerous Latinos tomorrow in an explosive Pinoy Pride double-header at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Nietes will defend his World Boxing Organization light flyweight title against Mexican Samy Gutierrez while Sabillo will try to keep his WBO minimum-weight crown against Nicaraguan sensation Carlos Buirago.

The two star fighters of ALA boxing gym in Cebu are trying to sustain the surge of Filipino pride in the sport following the back-to-back victories of Nonito Donaire Jr. and Manny Pacquiao in their comeback fights.

“We’re determined to win for our country like them,” Nietes said in Filipino during the press conference for the 23rd edition of Pinoy Pride boxing series yesterday at Gateway Mall.

Sabilo said they do not feel any pressure trying to duplicate Donaire’s ninth-round knockout of Vic Darchinyan and Pacquiao’s demolition of Brandon Rios.

“These (victories) will only inspire us to do even better,” said Sabillo (23-0, 12 KOs), who will be up against fellow unbeaten Buitrago (27-0, 16 KOs).

A world titlist for the last seven years, Nietes (31-1, 17 KOs) said he will go for a knockout against Gutierrez, (33-9, 23 KOs).

Also seeing action in the fight card presented by ALA Boxing and ABS-CBN Sports, are Milan Melindo,  AJ “Bazooka” Banal, Jason Pagara and Jimrex Jaca.