Nietes won’t climb in weight, eyes Elorde feat

MANILA, Philippines—Bucking a trend among elite Filipino fighters, WBO minimumweight division champion Donnie Nietes is staying in the 105-lb division as he bids to match the late great Gabriel “Flash” Elorde’s accomplishment as the longest Filipino to hold a world title in his division.
 
While Nonito Donaire, the WBA interim super flyweight champion, and former world flyweight titlist Brian Viloria are moving up in weight, the 28-year-old Nietes, coming off a unanimous decision victory over Mario Rodriguez in Sinaloa, Mexico, last Sunday, said he is sticking in the division he has ruled the past four years.   “He’s still very comfortable at 105 lbs,” said Nietes’ manager Michael Aldeguer of Cebu-based ALA Promotions yesterday at a luncheon hosted by television network GMA. “And we have a goal to match Flash Elorde’s record.”   Elorde, a Hall of Famer, held the world super featherweight crown from 1960 to 1967.   “We’re proud of him,” said GMA president, chair and CEO lawyer Felipe Gozon.   A double-championship fight card featuring Nietes, a former gym help at the ALA Gym in Cebu, and WBO women’s super bantamweight Ana Julaton is actually in the works, although Aldeguer said nothing is final yet.   “That would be a treat for Filipino fans,” said Aldeguer. “Our priority is for Donnie to fight in the country.”   Nietes has made four successful defenses of his title, three of which in Mexico.   Nietes’ possible opponent for his mandatory defense is Thailand’s Pygmy Kokeitgym, who holds a 42-5 win-loss record, after his initial opponent, 19-year-old Carlos Buitrigo of Nicaragua, begged off.