THE longest-reigning Filipino ring champion is set to climb the ring once more to extend the occupancy of his throne in his new weight division this Sunday in “Pinoy Pride Presents: Donnie Nietes vs Juan Carlos Reveco,” which will air at 3:30 p.m. on ABS-CBN and on primetime at 6:30 p.m .on ABS-CBN S+A and S+A HD.
Nietes (40-1-4; 22 knockouts), is making the first defense of his IBF Flyweight division belt at the Forum in California, USA, after beating Thai Komgrich Nantapech via unanimous decision in their championship bout in Cebu last April 2017.
The man they call “Ahas” will be challenged by Reveco of Argentina, who totes a 39-3-0, 19 KOs card and is up for the biggest fight of his career when he enters Nietes’ snakepit. The Argentinian is looking to be the first fighter to put the hardy Nietes to the canvas, as the IBF Flyweight king has not kissed the mat nor lost in title bouts.
Before moving up in weight, Nietes was unbeaten for more than a decade in the light flyweight division. He is also only the third boxer in the country to win a world title in three different weight divisions, next to Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire Jr. At the age of 35, however, the fighting pride of Bacolod remains on top of his game and is out to show the world that he is not yet done winning. His longevity is credited to his being a tireless workhorse on and off the ring, keeping himself in tiptop condition at all times.
“I always get prepared whenever I have a scheduled fight. I want to remain a world champion and give honor to my family and my team ALA boxing stable,” the champion said.
Nietes, who has shown he can box or brawl when needed, has also proven he has no problem fighting abroad and in front of a hostile crowd as he would even get rock star treatment whenever he fights in Mexico, a country that loves its boxing heroes.
One of the most accomplished Filipino boxers credits the people and organizations that have supported him in his success. “I’m very grateful to my promoter, ALA Promotions, our partner TV network ABS-CBN, the local and international media, my family, friends, fans, and of course, God Almighty who made all this happen. It has been a long journey, but nothing beats the happiness I feel being identified as Donnie “Ahas” Nietes, the longest-reigning Filipino world champion,” he said.