Nietes To Defend WBO Junior Flyweight Crown On May 28 In Bacolod City

World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior flyweight champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes will defend his crown against Raul Garcia on May 28 in Bacolod City.

The fight, which will be Nietes’ third title defense in Bacolod, will be the main event of “Pinoy Pride 36: A Legend in the Making” of ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN.

This will also be the ninth defense of the title Nietes won against Mexican Ramon Garcia Hirales on Oct. 8, 2011 at the same venue.

The fight is a major stepping stone for Nietes as he could be in for a shot against World Boxing Association (WBA) and WBO flyweight champion Juan Francisco if he wins.

“If it’s up to me, I’d like to fight other world champions but I have to follow what my promoter says,” Nietes said during the official press conference at the Social Cafe and Bar at Ayala Center Cebu.

Nietes, who broke the record of Gabriel Elorde as the longest-reigning world champion of the Philippines, is hoping for another impressive win against Garcia.

Nietes is 37-1-4 with 21KOs, while Garcia is 36-3-1 with 22KOs.

“I think someone will get knocked out as long as he won’t keep on running away. It’s hard to knock someone out if they keep running,” said Nietes.

ALA head trainer Edito Villamor said they are focused on a victory by Nietes since he is tapped to fight in another major event in September in Los Angeles, USA.

“We should not think of losing, Donnie has to win. We are really impressed with Donnie and he’s truly a legend,” said Villamor.

Nietes won his first crown last Sept. 30, 2007, when he beat Pronsawan Porpramook by unanimous decision to win the WBO minimum weight titile.

In the undercard of the event, Milan Melindo (33-2, 12KOs) will take on Javier Mendoza (24-3-1) in a rematch, while King Arthur Villanueva (28-1, 14KOs) will face Juan Jimenez (22-9, 15KOs). (PNA) LAP/EB/MP/EDS