Nietes stakes WBO title vs Mexican Saturday

Donnie Nietes tries to include Francisco Rodriguez among his Mexican victims when they tangle in the headliner of Pinoy Pride 31: Clash of World Champions at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino Saturday.

The 33-year-old Nietes, the longest reigning Filipino world champion, will be staking his World Boxing Organization light flyweight crown for the seventh time against Rodriguez, the 21-year-old former WBO and International Boxing Federation minimum weight king.

Rodriguez (17-2-1, 11 knockouts), told Philboxing.com yesterday that he came well prepared and will attack Nietes (35-1-4, 21 KOs) from the get-go of their 12-round battle.

The pride of Murcia, Negros Occidental, has beaten 11 Mexicans.

Rising star Mark Magsayo will tangle with another Mexican, Rafael Reyes (16-4, 12 KOs), for the IBF youth featherweight crown in the chief support of the fight card jointly staged by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports. Roy Luarca