Nietes sets sight on unified crown

CEBU CITY—What’s left for Donnie Nietes to conquer?

Already the longest-reigning Filipino world champion, Nietes chalked up another major accomplishment on Saturday night.

In beating Thai Komgrich Nantapech by unanimous decision at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino here, Nietes became the International Boxing Federation flyweight king and three-division champion, trailing only eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao, and Nonito Donaire Jr. (five divisions) in the roster of multiple Filipino titlists.

Nietes also held court in the 105 and 108-pound (lb) categories.

But Nietes, a month short of his 35th birthday, and ALA Promotions need to act fast to secure his future.

A voluntary title defense is likely to happen in September, while a unification title bout in the 112 lb division is in the horizon, according to ALA Promotions president and CEO Michael Aldeguer.

Also being considered is for Nietes to climb to the 115 lb division, where the big names like Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman Gonzalez hold court.

Gauging from his performance against Nantapech, however, moving up again may be a risky proposition for Nietes, unbeaten for over 12 years and now 40-1-4 with 22 knockouts

Though his technical skills and ring generalship carried him past Nantapech, Nietes’ power at 112 lb remains suspect as he wasn’t able to put down the Thai (22-4, 15 KOs), who’ve been stopped in two rounds by stable mate Albert Pagara before.

Nietes, who sustained a swollen left hand owing to the numerous jabs he landed on Nantapech’s face, offered an explanation.

“At first I thought I can knock him down in the early rounds, but he’s tough. Very tough,” said Nietes, who won by scores of 117-111 twice and 115-113. “That’s why we didn’t get the knockout.”

In the chief support, Mark Magsayo stretched his winning streak to 16 (12 knockouts) following a one-round demolition (2 minutes, 5 seconds) of overmatched Tanzanian Issa Nampapeche (24-8-4, 11 KOs).