CEBU, Philippines — In his quest to become a four-division world champion, Donnie ‘Ahas’ Nietes has formally vacated his IBF flyweight title and is now headed up to the 115-pound super flyweight division.
“Today, I have my decision to move up to 115 and vacate my IBF world title. This is a challenge I have been waiting for. Super flyweight is not easy but this is my dream to become a four-division champion. I want to fight all the big names in that division,” said the 35-year-old Nietes in a press conference yesterday at the St. Mark’s Hotel.
The Philippine’s longest reigning world champion has a chance of immediately reaching his dream as he was earlier declared by World Boxing Organization president Francisco Varcarcel as the No.1 ranked in the 115 lbs. division.
“I would like to thank the IBF for giving me the opportunity to be a world champion in their organization and WBO for putting me now as the No.1 contender to fight for the vacant WBO title,” Nietes said.
Being the prime contender for the vacant title, Nietes is on a collision course with either his compatriot Aston Palicte or former pound-for-pound best Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzales of Nicaragua, who are ranked No.2 and No.3, respectively.
The pride of Murcia, Negros Occidental has no problem of facing anybody for the world title, but admitted that he is setting his sight on Gonzalez, a former four-division champion.
“I really want to face him ever since. I know he is a great fighter but I think I have the tools to beat him,” added Nietes.
ALA Promotions President and CEO Michael Aldeguer said that they are looking forward to making the biggest fights for Nietes in the next couple of years.
"He is an epitome of what a great and humble athlete should be. He deserves all the success he has now," said Aldeguer.
ALA chief trainer Edito Villamor, for his part, said that Nietes is comfortable in moving up weight and he thinks that the ALA Gym champion will have no problem facing bigger opponents.
“We will prepare for this. Donnie has already got the skills but he will still improve his power,” said Villamor.