Iginiit ni Mexican challenger Raul “Rayito” Garcia na tatapusin niya ang paghahari ni Pinoy champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes at maiganti ang mga kababayan kasama na ang kanyang kambal sa kabiguang ipinalasap ng WBO light flyweight champion.
Tatangkain ni Garcia na magtala ng kasaysayan sa pagharap kay Nietes sa “Pinoy Pride 36: A Legend in the Making” fight card ngayong gabi sa University of St. La Salle Coliseum sa Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.
“I don’t think that’s going to happen. I had a great time in training and I came here not to only compete, but also to beat him,” sambit Garcia. “Yes, it crossed my mind that I’m the one who will end his reign as a world champion.
That is why I am here.”
Walang naging problema sa ginawang weigh-in kahapon kung saan kapwa pasok sa timbang ang maglalabang fighter.
Para naman kay Nietes, magkakaalaman bukas kung magagawa ni Garcia na patulugin siya sa loob ng five rounds upang wakasan ang kanyang perpektong rekord laban sa Mexican boxers.
“Let him do what he wants because I will just do my thing inside the ring,” sambit ni Nietes na tanging Pilipino na nagtanggol ng tatlong beses at nanalo laban kina Mexican Erik Ramirez, Manuel Vargas, at Mario Rodriguez sa iba’t ibang lugar sa Mexico.
“I know that he’s up for revenge because I defeated his twin brother but I’m ready. I prepared to go for 12 rounds but if chance comes along the way, I won’t hesitate to go for a knockout,” aniya.
Ipagtatanggol naman ni “King” Arthur Villanueva ang kanyang WBO Asia-Pacific bantamweight belt laban kay Mexican Juan “El Penita” Jimenez, samantalang mapapasabak si two-time world title challenger Milan “El Metodico” Melindo laban kay Maximino “Max” Flores na isa ring Mexican. (Gilbert Espena)