Nietes, Donaire headline MOA card

DAVAO CITY—Donnie Nietes will try to further enhance his legacy, while Nonito Donaire Jr. gets the opportunity to resurrect his career when they co-headline a big fight card on March 28 at Mall of Asia Arena.

Already the longest reigning Filipino world champion of all time, Nietes will dangle his WBO light flyweight crown against Mexican Luis Ceja in a 12-rounder of the televised fight card that is a joint presentation of ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN.

Reeling from a sixth-round knockout inflicted by Nicolas Walters in Carson, California last October, Donaire returns to the ring against Brazilian William Prado in a showdown for the North American Boxing Federation super bantam crown.

While Donaire, a former five-division world champion, is expected to prevail over Prado, who holds a 22-win, 4-loss, 1-draw record, Nietes faces a stern test from Ceja, a known knockout artist.

Nietes will be making his sixth title defense of the 108-pound crown in a seven-year unbeaten run that surpassed the late Flash Elorde’s 7-year, 3-month reign.

Ceja has stopped 21 of his 26 victims  for an impressive knockout rate of 61.76 percent.

Donaire, now down to 32-3, is raring to make an impression in what could be his last bid for glory.

This early, Donaire is reportedly whipping himself into shape under the guidance of his father, Nonito Sr.

The co-headliner was bared to Manila-based sportswriters by ALA Promotions vice president Dennis Canete Friday night.

The 29th edition of the popular Pinoy Pride series was set here last night with ALA stars Jason Pagara and Genesis Servania staking their respective regional titles against Mexicans.