Nietes Dismisses Mexican’s Challenge

Donnie Nietes has dismissed the brash 21-year-old Mexican challenger Francisco Rodriguez’ vow to knock him out when the two meet in the main event of Pinoy Pride 31 on Saturday, July 11, at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Lahug, Cebu City.

Rodriguez, 17-2-1 with 11 knockouts, has vowed to end the seven-year reign of Nietes and even called him an old champion.

“Just like the old times, the old king will fall, long live the new king,” Rodriguez said in the final press conference of their World boxing Organization (WBO) light flyweight title clash.

At 33, Nietes is already a 12-year veteran in the brutal sport of boxing, having made his debut on April 25, 2003, but the champion said he doesn’t feel old at all.

“I may be 33 but I still feel young. I feel like I’m just 21,” said Nietes.

And his record backs him up as Nietes has stopped his last four foes, including bitter rival Moises Fuentes in nine rounds.

And the champion is confident his challanger will fall.

“It would be the same as all the Mexicans that I fought and defeated, he will also fall,” said Nietes.

But the Mexican thinks otherwise.

“I respect Nietes and his claim. I also respect the Mexican fighters he has defeated. But I am a different one. He hasn’t faced an opponent like me,” said Rodriguez, who ended the reign of Cebuano champion Merlito Sabillo in 10 rounds last March 22, 2014.

That win earned the Mexican the WBO 105-pound belt, which Nietes held before climbing to the light flyweight division.

Aside from the WBO light flyweight crown, also at stake this Saturday is the Ring Magazine light flyweight title and the hometown champion has vowed to shut the Mexican up.

Meanwhile, undefeated Mark Magsayo, who will defending his IBF youth featherweight title is also pissed at his challenger Rafael Reyes.

Reyes (16-4, 12 KOs), earned the ire of Magsayo, who is 10-0, with 8KOs after the Mexican asked for a showdown with Albert Pagara.

“That’s why I’m here, to win and show what Mexicans are made of,” said Reyes.

Magsayo said it won’t happen.

“Why is he asking for a fight with Albert? That won’t happen because he will not get past me,” said Magsayo.

Aside from the two title fights, another special attraction in the card is the professional debut of amateur standout KJ Catajara against Ardi Tefa of Indonesia, who is 6-4 with 4 KOs.

Roli Gasca (22-6-1, 6KOs) also takes on Rsmanudin (19-9-3), while former Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Vic Saludar (9-1, 7KOs) faces Michael Kaibigan (3-2, 2KOs) and 19-year-old Elmo Traya (8-1, 6KOs) takes on 18-year-old Carlo Demecillo (3-2, 1KO).

In the curtain raiser, Raul Yu (6-1, 5KOs) will face Richard Sueno, who is 2-0-1 with a single knockout. (PNA) CTB/EB/MP/EDS