Katuparan ng pangarap para kina reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) World Jr. Flyweight Champion Donnie ‘Ahas’ Nietes and reigning World Boxing Council International Super Superflyweight champion ‘King’ Arthur Villanueva ang pagdepensa sa korona sa harap ng mga kababayan.
Tampok ang duwelo ng dalawang pamosong Negrense sa Pinoy Pride 36: A Legend in the Making sa Mayo 28.
“It’s been my dream to fight again before my kababayans. It’s my way to thank my fellow Negrenses who have supported me,” sambit ni Nietes, tangan ang kartang 37-1-4, tampok ang 21KO.
Huling lumaban si Nietes, tubong Murcia, sa Bacolod noong Oktubre 2011 kung saan tinalo niya ang noo’y kampeon na si Ramon Hirales Garcia ng Mexico sa University of St. La Salle.
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Tulad ni Nietes, inspirado si Villanueva na sumagupa sa harap ng nagbubunying local crowd.
“I’m so happy for this privilege. Many of my friends were asking me when I’ll be fighting again here in Bacolod.
And, finally it’s here,” ayon kay Villanueva, may markang 28-1, tampok ang 14 TKO.
“On May 28, I’ll be fighting at the 118 pounds from my 115 catch weight. My coach wanted to see if I’m ready for this weight class,” aniya.
Haharapin ni Villanueva si reigning WBC Continental Americas Superflyweight champion Juan ‘El Penita’ Jimenez (22-9, 15KOs) sa 10-round undercard.
Iginiit ni ALA Promotions President and CEO Michael Aldeguer na personal na kahilingan ni Nietes na gawin ang laban sa Bacolod City.
Ngunit, nilinaw ni Aldeguer na hindi pa naikakasa ang makakalaban ni Nietes.
“We’re still looking a No.3 Juan Jose Landaeta of Nicaragua, No.8 Ryo Miyazaki of Japan, No.11 Raul Garcia-Hirales of Mexico, Nicaraguan Felix Alvarado, among the few names under our consideration,” aniya.
“Nietes’ mandatory title defense will be on September 24 in US against No. 1 challenger Moises Fuentes of Mexico.
This will be the third time that Nietes and Fuentes will be facing each other,” pahayag ni Aldeguer. (Gilbert Espeña)
