Nietes challenges Mexican in last light flyweight fight

Donnie Nietes’ title defense against Mexican Carlos Velarde on Nov. 15 will be his last at 108 pounds.

The WBO light flyweight titlist, who’s on course toward breaking the great Gabriel “Flash” Elorde’s record as longest reigning world champion, said he wants to move up in weight for a change.

At the moment, Nietes (33-win, 1-loss, 4-draws, 19 knockouts) is focused on beating Velarde (26-3-1, 14 KOs) in the headliner of Pinoy Pride 28 set at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

“I’m 80 to 90 percent ready with my preparations,” Nietes told sportswriters in Filipino over lunch tendered by ALA Promotions yesterday. “There’s no pressure (on breaking Elorde’s record of 7 years and 3 months as world super featherweight champion) as long as you’re always in tiptop shape at fight time.”

According to ALA Promotions vice president Dennis Canete, Nietes will surpass Elorde’s record if by Jan. 1, 2015, he remains a title-holder.

In the supporting bout, Milan Melindo will go down to junior flyweight against Mexico’s Saul Juarez in a title eliminator fight of the International Boxing Federation.

Melindo said going down to 108 pounds has made him faster and a stronger puncher.