Nietes humbled fighting alongside ‘idol’ Donaire

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — He's already on top of the boxing world, yet he kept his feet on the ground.

Two-division world champion Donnie 'Ahas' Nietes said he is humbled fighting in one card together with his idol, former five-division titlist Nonito 'The Filipino Flash' Donaire, in the highly-anticipated Pinoy Pride 30 on March 28 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Nietes (34-1, 20KOs), who recently surpassed the record of the late Gabriel "Flash' Elorde as the longest reigning Filipino world boxing champion, is set to defend his WBO light flyweight crown against Mexican hard-puncher Luis 'Gallo' Ceja (26-5, 21KOs) in the main event of the blockbuster card bankrolled by ALA Promotions International and ABS-CBN Sports.

"It is an added inspiration for me fighting with him (Donaire) in the same card. Nonito is my idol even before I became a champion," said the prized ALA Gym stalwart from Murcia, Negros Occidental.

Powered with such motivation, Nietes has shifted his training into high gear as he wants to secure a spectacular win against his dangerous Mexican challenger.

"He (Ceja) has power and he is a serious threat that is why I am already putting myself into hard training," said Nietes.

Nietes has already started his no-holds-barred sparring sessions against his stablemates including one-time world title challenger Milan 'El Metodico' Melindo.

Meanwhile, ALA Promotions President and CEO Michael Aldeguer will announce this week the opponent of Donaire, who will be fighting for the first time on Philippine soil.

"We are still negotiating and we want an opponent suitable for Donaire's comeback fight. We might get the name this week. It is also already made official that the fight will be for the vacant North American Boxing Federation super bantamweight title," said Aldeguer.

 Donaire hope to regain lost pride and glamour after losing his WBA featherweight title via sixth round KO to Nicholas Walters four months ago in California. (FREEMAN)