Nietes vacates IBF flyweight belt to move up to super flyweight

World champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes. Photo by Mark Giongco

Donnie Nietes is looking to join the ranks of elite Filipino boxers who have won world titles in four different weight divisions as he vacated his IBF World flyweight title to move up to the stacked super flyweight division.

In a Facebook post on ALA Promotions’ page,  Nietes said he is moving on to challenge for the WBO super flyweight belt.

“This is the challenge I have been waiting for, to go up in weight is never easy but this is my dream to become a four-division World champion and to fight all the big names at super flyweight,” said Nietes, who hasn’t lost since 2004.

There have only been just two boxers in Philippine history who have won world titles in at least four weight classes namely Nonito Donaire, a five division champion, and the legendary Manny Pacquiao, boxing’s most decorated champion having won world titles in eight classes.

Nietes joins a stacked super flyweight division that has WBC World champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, former no. 1 pound-for-pound fighter Roman Gonzalez, and fellow Filipino and IBF World champion Jerwin Ancajas.

“I would like to sincerely thank the IBF for giving me the opportunity to be a World champion of their organization and the WBO for putting me now as the no. 1 contender to the fight for the vacant WBO super flyweight title,” said Nietes.

The 35-year-old is no stranger to representing the WBO as Nietes got his first World title in the organization’s minimumweight championship when he beat Heri Amol in 2006.

Nietes then moved to light flyweight where he once again wore the WBO’s maroon strap before becoming a Super Champion after 10 straight defenses.