Nietes, my hero and idol

By Jesus A. Garcia Jr

MANY of us who had a chance to watch on TV the World Boxing Organization (WBO) light flyweight title battle last July 12 in Cebu City between Filipino world champ Donnie “Ahas” Nietes against former IBF-WBC minimum weight titleholder Francisco Rodriguez, saw how the Negros Occidental born Nietes, 33, scored a convincing victory over the five-foot-six young Mexican slugger Rodriguez in 12 rounds via unanimous decision, 119-110, 118-110 and 115-113. Yes, the score was unanimous but I believe the score of the two judges were not accurate.

In fact, some Filipinos said it could have been a draw. But the Mexican camp said their boy won the encounter being the more aggressive combatant landing more punches using his longer reach and lightning jabs. Yes, the Mexican camp might be right as far as punches thrown were concerned, but I think Nietes won with more telling blows landing and more accurate than the Mexican.

I already watched some of Nietes fights all held at Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City and the most memorable one was his first meeting with Mexican Moises Fuentes on March 2, 2013 which ended in a draw to the dismay of the Mexican camp. That was really an epic fight which some said Nietes lost. And to erase all doubts, ALA promotion held a rematch. And true enough, the five-foot-three Nietes proved to his boxing fans that he can take on the handsome Fuentes displaying his natural skills and savoir-faire power by scoring a sensational knockout victory in the ninth round on March 8, 2014, to successfully defend his 108 pounds tiara.

Since he won the crown on September 30, 2007, wresting the vacant WBO minimum diadem from previously undefeated Thai Ponrsawan Kratingdaenggym, he never lost to any fighter in the world and majority of his victims were Mexicans. He’s now the longest reigning Filipino world champion (seven years, ten months) surpassing the record of the former world junior lightweight champion (130 lbs.) the great and Hall of Fame receiver Gabriel “Flash” Elorde with seven years and two months. He’s now the only reigning Filipino world champion after Pacman, Nonito Donaire, Jr., Merlito Sabillo, Denver Cuello lost all their belts.

Yes, there’s no question that we still idolize Pacman for giving our country multiple honors despite his devastating defeat against Juan Manuel Marquez and his controversial letdown to Mayweather. But even with no more world belt to his name, Pacman undoubtedly is still the most popular boxer of this country and perhaps still second to Mayweather in the world. But please add Nietes. His almost eight years of reign as undefeated in his class should mean something to all of us boxing aficionados. He’s one of a kind in this world in boxing and a future Hall of Famer, the most prestigious award in world boxing.

For sure I’ll watch again his next title fight, either in Cebu, Davao or in Manila and even in Mexico where he fought before, that is if I will have the means. He’s my hero, a friend and my idol.

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My big congrats to the organizers of the first “Ricky Diocares Duathlon Challenge” held on July 12 at Judge Jose de Venecia Extension, spearheaded by the Metro Dagupan Cycling Club, Inc. president Jojo Ramos, Roy Velasquez, Dr. Butch Ydia and, of course, my kind-hearted friend Engr. Rodolfo “Boy” Dion. I watched the whole race (6-km run, 40-km bike, 4-km run) with 121 participants and was done in seven categories. Mabuhay po kayo mga ginoo. See you again next year.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. PSALMS 46: 1-2

(For your comments and reactions, please email to: punch.sunday@gmail.com)

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