LAPU-LAPU CITY—Donnie “Ahas” Nietes’ reputation as a fearless ring warrior must be giving the camp of Ramon Garcia Hirales the creeps.
Hirales’ handlers sought yet another postponement of the Mexican’s defense of his World Boxing Organization light flyweight (108 pounds) title against Nietes in Bacolod City.
Originally set in August, it was rescheduled for September. Just when the organizing ALA Promotions was finalizing details, however, there came a call from Team Hirales on Friday requesting that the showdown be moved to October as they need more time to prepare.
ALA bigwigs, Michael Aldeguer and his father Antonio, agreed, with consent from the co-organizing ABS-CBN Sports.
“Obviously, they want their boy to be better prepared against Nietes,” ALA vice president Dennis Canete told Manila-based sportswriters here to cover Pinoy Pride 7: Battle of Mactan being held at the Hoops Coliseum at presstime last night. “It’s okay as it will also give Nietes more time to train.”
According to Canete, the 29-year-old Nietes, who hails from Murcia, Negros Occidental, has been working out at the ALA Gym here and is ready to fight Hirales any time.
Apart from pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao, Nietes is highly admired in Mexico for his toughness and big heart.
Nietes is perhaps the only foreign fighter who successfully defended his title (WBO minimum flyweight) in Mexico trice, the last against Mario Rodriguez in August 2010 in Sinaloa.
After holding court in the 105-pound class for five years, Nietes, who totes a 28-1 win-loss record with 16 knockouts, made his initial foray in the 108-lb division last April, knocking out Mexican Armando Vasquez in the first round at the University of St. La Salle Gym in Bacolod City.
That feat may have triggered the alarm bell in Hirales’ corner. If Nietes can do it in hostile territory, what more in his birthplace?
Hirales (16-2, including 9 knockouts) knows he must be at his best form to weather Nietes’ challenge.