Nietes gets extra motivation in title defense

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Two-division world champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes got an added boost heading into his WBO light flyweight title defense against Mexican challenger Raul “Rayito” Garcia this Saturday.

This after ALA Promotions President and CEO Michael P. Aldeguer announced yesterday that Nietes is already booked for a mouth-watering showdown with Mexican star Moises Fuentes in the main event of their second Pinoy Pride show in the United States set for September 24 at the StubHub Center in Carson City, California.

“Yes, it's a done deal. We've already come to terms with Mexico's Zanfer Promotions for a Nietes-Fuentes match on September 24 in the US that is part of our Pinoy Pride series,” said Aldeguer in a news conference at L' Fisher Hotel.

Aldeguer said its their biggest venture in collaboration with Zanfer Promotions since the Juan Ponce de Leon-Rey “Boom Boom” Baustista duel nine years ago.

Aldeguer made it clear though that everything will hinge on the outcome of Nietes' match against Garcia that is the main showcase of the highly-anticipated Pinoy Pride 36 event tomorrow night at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum here.

"Of course, all our plans for Nietes will depend on the result of the fight this Saturday. And with due respect to Garcia, we have a rematch clause for him,” said Aldeguer.

That means that if ever Nietes loses, heaven forbid, the Negrense boxing great will instead figure in a return bout with Garcia in the September 24 US card.— EBV (FREEMAN)