The longest reigning Filpino world champion, WBO and The Ring Light Flyweight Donnie “Ahas” Nietes (37-1-4), will make his Bacolod City homecoming on May 28.
After five long years, Nietes will fight once more in front of his compatriots as he defends his championship against Mexican Raúl “Rayito” García (38-3-1).
The Elorde Awards Hall-of-Famer was excited at the thought of fighting in front of a sold-out La Salle Coliseum. However, he admitted to Tiebreaker Times that even with 42 fights under his belt, he still feels pressured in fighting in his hometown.
Donnie “Ahas” Nietes
“Eto medyo pressured talaga at excited ako lumaban ulit sa hometown ko,” he shared. To calm himself, the 33 year old works extra time in the gym to sweat off the nerves and the anticipation. “Dati na prepressure ako pero sa tamang paghahanda talaga nawawala rin yung pressure.”
“Sa ngayon talagang todong todo na ensayo namin. Kahit sa sparring todo na talaga.”
With all the recognition, milestones, and awards under his belt, the Negros Occidental-native is still hungry. The fire in his eyes lit up when asked what else does a Donnie Nietes want in his life.
“Ang kulang talaga yung (pag-akyat) ng division. More on division talaga. Gusto kong umakyat na talaga,” he said.
If he gets past García, Nietes shared the he will go up in weight in the middle of the year. “Siguro by September aakyat ako sa flyweight pero depende pa rin talaga sa manager ko.”
“Puwedeng mag stick pa rin ako sa 108 or aakyat ako. Basta ako anytime puwede ako umakyat ng timbang.”
Moreover, there are only two super fights that he wishes could come true: to fight against either WBC and The Ring World Flyweight champion Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez (45-0) or WBA (Super) and WBO World Flyweight champion Juan “El Gallo” Estrada (35-2).
“Either Estrada or Gonzalez. Yun talaga yung dream fight ko,” he closed.
