BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – Many boxing enthusiasts don’t really appreciate the boxing style of Donnie ‘Ahas’ Nietes – the defending WBO junior lightweight king, Ring Magazine titlist, and longest reining Filipino champion.
But, Nietes is a distinct fighter. He is a technical boxer and not the usual slugger which everyone, particularly, Filipino followers wanted to see.
He might be a so-called boring fighter to watch inside the ring however, his fighting style made him different from the rest.
At first, I wasn’t also impressed with how he fought since I’m used to watch the like of Manny Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Marquez, among the few. He seldom throw barrage of punches but, his shots are accurate.
But, after watching several of his fights, I realized that he won’t stay in this business if he offers similar stuff with other boxers in his division.
And, recognizing Nietes’ contribution in the world of boxing, the WBO headed by Puerto Rican Francisco Paco Varcarcel has leveled the Negrense champion as among the world’s boxing greats along with Filipino icon and Sarangani Rep. Pacquiao, Britain’s Joe Calzaghe and Mexican legends Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez, and Oscar de la Hoya.
And to honor the Filipino, WBO President Varcarcel gave Nietes a WBO diamond-encrusted ring in the presence of ALA Promotions President Aldeguer and WBO Vice-President for Asia Pacific Leon Panoncillo Jr.
For Nietes’ dad, Josue, his son’s successful title defense has continuously inspires not only the up and coming boxers in their hometown but, also in the country.
The elder Nietes said that many of these young boxers are also looking up to him as their role-model.(WATCHMEN DAILY JOURNAL)
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