Donnie Nietes chases ‘Flash’ record in US defense of WBO crown

Donnie “Ahas” Nietes   FILE PHOTO

CEBU CITY—Donnie “Ahas” Nietes will be chasing history when he returns to the ring in the United States in November.

If Nietes succeeds in his defense of the World Boxing Organization light flyweight crown, he’ll surpass the late great Flash Elorde’s Philippine record of seven years and three months as world champion.

Elorde was junior lightweight king from March 16, 1960 to June 15, 1967, on Dec. 1.

The 32-year-old Nietes held the WBO minimumweight title from 2007 to 2011 before bringing his supremacy to the 108-pound division.

Nietes’ optional title defense against a yet to be named Mexican is likely to be held in Los Angeles on Nov. 8, ALA Promotions vice president Dennis Canete told Manila-based sportswriters Friday night.

Once the fight is sealed, Nietes and other ALA prime prospects will go to San Diego, California, to live and train for at least two months.

Expected to join Nietes in the US, where they will be afforded better spar mates, are brothers Jason and Albert Pagara, provided they dispose of their Mexican rivals in the main event and co-feature of last night’s Pinoy Pride 26 at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.