Two-division world champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes (39-1-4) will aim for his third world title on Saturday, April 29, as he takes on Komgrich Nantapech (22-3) for the vacant IBF World Flyweight Championship. The headliner for Pinoy Pride 40 is set to take place at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu City.
Following a dominant run in both 105 and 108 pounds, Nietes made a successful debut at flyweight.
“Ahas” defeated Edgar Sosa to win the vacant WBO Intercontinental Flyweight belt last September. And now he is gunning to become the third Filipino to win a world championship in at least three different weight divisions. Only Nonito Donaire and the world’s only eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao have achieved the feat.
Facing Nietes is a 27-year old pugilist, who looks to make the most of his biggest fight to date. He currently owns a 15-fight win streak, sending 11 of his foes to the canvas. His latest victory came at the expense of Jeny Boy Boca six months ago in Bangkok.
“Para kay Donnie, special ito para sa kanya. Matagal na niyang dream na magkaroon ng pangatlong belt at magiging three-division world champion,” ALA Boxing head coach Edito Villamor told Tiebreaker Times.
“Hindi lang ito para sa team namin kung hindi para sa lahat ng Pilipino.”
Co-headlining the card is knockout artist Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo (15-0), who is coming of an impressive run last year. He returns to the ring, facing an opponent yet to be named by the promotion.
Highly-touted prospect and Philippine’s number two-ranked super bantamweight Jeo Santisima (12-2) has also been announced to take part in the card.
