Nietes in deep training for WBO title defense

CEBU, Philippines - Two-division world champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes and fellow Pinoy Pride fighters Milan “Metodico” Melindo and Genesis “Azukal” Servania are now in deep and heavy training for their respective fights in the highly-anticipated "Pinoy Pride 14: Night Of Champions" boxing extravaganza on June 2 at the posh Resort's World Hotel and Casino in Manila.

After nearly two weeks of training in Manila coupled with their promotional tour at ABS-CBN studios, the Nietes-led Pinoy Pride warriors are back in the Queen City of the South to wrap up their physical and skills training at the fabled ALA Gym.

Nietes and his comrades were on a Pinoy Pride 14 television and radio promotional tour at ABS-CBN where Nietes did a cameo on the popular sitcom Toda Max where A-list celebrities Robin Padilla, Tony Gonzaga and Angel Locsin starred in. The price of Murcia, Negros Occidental played himself, acting as a trainer of Toni Gonzaga’s character and squeezed in lines inviting the show’s viewers to watch Pinoy Pride 14.

Nietes also had a one-on-one interview with the king of talk Boy Abunda on his late night show. Melindo and Servania were likewise busy with their part in promoting the forthcoming boxing show by shooting and recording ad videos and did some television and radio appearances as well.

In the main event of the explosive card presented by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports, Nietes will defend for the first time his WBO light flyweight title against the dangerous and credible Felipe Salguero of Mexico, who is ranked No.7 both by the IBF and WBO.

Melindo, on the other hand, will go up against former world champion Jesus Gelez of Colombia in a 12-round rumble for the WBO Intercontinental flyweight belt, while Genesis “Azukal” Servania braces for the toughest test of his budding career against the notorious bull-headed Mexican Genaro “Poblanito” Garcia. —ALA Promotions Media Bureau