Nietes will be the aggressor versus Ioka

With his weight “on target,” Donnie Nietes is in light shadow boxing mode prior to his New Year’s Eve fight with Japan’s Kazuko Ioka for the vacant WBO super flyweight championship.

Michael Aldeguer, the Filipino champion’s manager reported Sunday that Nietes was winding down on gym preps at the Wynn Palace Cotai in Macau, site of the clash with his Japanese foe on Monday, Dec. 31, for the last boxing main event of note this year.

If Nietes has the usual pre-fight worries, he is not showing it, said Aldeguer while reporting that his ALA Gym star, unbeaten for the last 14 years, will be aggressive this time around.

His technique was flawless, but Nietes’ counterpunching was passive when he was held to a split draw by compatriot Aston Palicte on the “Superfly 3” card at the Forum in Inglewood, California, last September.

The draw frustrated Nietes in his quest for a fourth world crown.

Aldeguer also said the ALA team has adequately scouted Ioka through tapes of his previous bouts, and during his victory over McWilliams Arroyo on “Superfly 3” after a year’s absence from the ring.

“With two legendary Asian champions each vying for a fourth division belt, this is a must see contest for boxing fans,” said Aldeguer.

In a joint statement, Nietes and his chief trainer Edmond Villamor said “we have worked closely together in gunning for a fourth world crown. We are both confident of a win.”

As he seeks full stardom in the 115-pound division, Nietes 36, the longest-reigning world boxing champion, is favored over Ioka.

Training under the direction of renowned Cuban coach Ismael Salas, Ioka, 29 is aware of his opponent’s ring savvy. and knows that Nietes excels in punching without being hit.

“Both my boxing and my strategy will be clever,” said the younger and heavier hitting Ioka. “I will make adjustments as the contest plays out.”

The records for the bout: Nietes, 41-1-5, 23 KOs; Ioka, 23-1, 13 KOs.