Garcia promises to end Nietes’ reign

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

That record streak, however, may soon come to an end, with Raul “Rayito” Garcia vowing to do everything so he would not be counted as Mexican victim No. 15.

“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 Garcia.

He 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 tomorrow at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum here.

At stake in the scheduled 12-round rumble is 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 been too long for Nietes (to reign as world champion). It’s now time for me to win the crown and bring it back to Mexico,” said Garcia, who packs a 36-3-1 record spiked with 22 KOs.

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-lb crown five years ago.

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

Nietes, however, is unfazed by the bold forecast from Garcia, who even predicted to finish him off within five rounds.

“Let him do what he wants because I will just do my thing inside the ring,” said Nietes, 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. 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 card bankrolled by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports, “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 Maximino “Max” Flores (19-2, 13KOs).