BACOLOD—Mexican champion Ramon Garcia arrived here Monday night confident he’ll be able to retain his World Boxing Organization light flyweight crown against local challenger Donnie “Ahas” Nietes.
The 29-year-old Garcia, who came over from a two-week training camp in Cebu City, was accompanied by his trainer Leo Camacho, manager Edrulfo Castillo and twin brother Raul “Rayito” Garcia, the former WBO minimum weight titlist.
Garcia, who’s gearing up for Saturday’s 12-round bout at the University of St. La Salle gymnasium, and his team were welcomed at the Silay Airport by Chad Canares, director for marketing and media relations of ALA Promotions, which is putting up the fight card dubbed “Pinoy Pride 9,” in cooperation with giant network ABS-CBN.
“We’re ready,” said Garcia through an interpreter when asked about his first defense of the crown he won with a fourth-round knockout of Jesus Geles last April.
Garcia, who’ll be staying at the East View Hotel, owns a 16-win, 2-loss record with 9 KOs. He will have a public workout at the SM City Bacolod Entertainment Center Thursday.
In contrast, Nietes (28-1, 16 KOs) had been training in this capital city of Negros Occidental for almost a month now.
Nietes is bidding to claim a second world title after relinquishing the WBO 105-lb belt he held for almost three years, including three title defenses in Mexico.
Nietes, also 29, traces his roots here, having been born in Murcia, Negros Occidental.
In his last fight also held at the USLS gym, Nietes stopped Armando Vazquez in the first round.