Garcia vows to end Nietes’ reign

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — In his glorious reign as world champion for eight years now, ALA Boxing Gym star Donnie ‘Ahas’ Nietes (37-1-4, 21KOs) has barreled through 14 Mexicans that stood on his way.

That record-establishing streak, however, may soon come to an abrupt end, with Raul “Rayito” Garcia vowing to do everything he can so he would not fall as the 15th Mexican victim of Nietes.

“I don’t think that’s going to happen. I had a great time in training and I came here not to only compete, but also to beat him,” said a superbly confident Garcia.

Come hell or high waters, Garcia boldly declared that he is out to halt Nietes’ reign as the longest Filipino world champion when he challenges Bacolod’s hometown pride in the main event of the “Pinoy Pride 36:A Legend in the Making” fightcard on Saturday night at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum here.

   At stake in the scheduled 12-round rumble in Nietes' WBO light flyweight belt.

“Yes, it crossed my mind that I’m the one who will end his reign as a world champion. That is why I am here,” said Garcia in the event’s final press conference at the L’ Fisher Hotel yesterday.

“The time has gone too long for Nietes (to reign as world champion). It’s now time for me to win the crown and bring it home to Mexico.”

Garcia, who holds 36-3-1 record spiked with 22KOs, has all the motivation he needed fighting on enemy lines.

On top of the world title, Garcia is also itching to avenge the loss of his twin brother Ramon Garcia Hirales, whom Nietes beat by decision to snare the WBO 108-pound strap five years ago at the very same fight grounds.

“He did beat my brother, but it’s going to be completely different this time. I’m here to be the equalizer,” said Garcia. “I want to bring the world title back to Mexico. I am prepared to make war. I just hope Nietes will stand up and make a real fight.”

When asked on what would be his final message to his Nietes, Garcia snapped back and said: “Say goodbye to your title.”

Nietes though is unfazed by the brazen pronouncements of Garcia, who even predicted to finish him off within five rounds.

“Let him do what he want because I will just do my thing when we’re already inside the ring,” said Nietes, the WBO Super Champion who takes pride for being the only Pinoy boxer to defend his throne in Mexico three times against Erik Ramirez, Manuel Vargas and Mario Rodriguez.

“I know that he’s up for revenge because I defeated his twin brother but I’m ready for whatever he brings. I prepared to go for 12 rounds but if chance comes along the way, I won’t hesitate to go for a knockout.”

In the other featured bouts of the historic show bankrolled by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports here in the City of Smiles, ‘King’ Arthur Villanueva (28-1, 14KOs) will defend his WBO Asia-Pacific bantamweight belt against Juan “El Penita” Jimenez (22-9, 15KOs), while former world title challenger Milan “El Metodico” Melindo (33-2, 12KOs) will go up against last minute sub Maximino “Max” Flores (19-2, 13KOs).

Also, rising star Kevin Jake “KJ” Cataraja will once again be tested against a foreign opponent, this time in Thai Chatchai Or Benjamas. (FREEMAN)