Chasing Gonzalez

HE feeling is comparable to what a treasure hunter feels when he opens the chest and sees nothing much in it.

Donnie ‘Ahas’ Nietes gave up his World Boxing Organization (WBO) light flyweight (108 lbs.) title to move up to flyweight (112 lbs.) and go after the marquee names in the division. Nietes posted a successful debut at flyweight, outclassing former world champion Edgar Sosa of Mexico in 12 rounds. But when the rosin of battle settled, Nietes did not sound that enthusiastic. There was even a tinge of lament when he told reporters, “

Nietes is referring to Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez, the undefeated Nicaraguan (46-0, 38 knockouts) who is recognized by many as the best pound-for-pound champion in boxing today. Nietes has been chasing Gonzalez for some time now, ardently believing that he has the style to beat the hard-punching Nicaraguan. As if to add fuel to the burning house, Gonzalez told the media last year that his camp had wanted to fight Nietes during his light flyweight days (2011-2012) but the Filipino turned down his overtures.

Gonzalez is actually one of two fighters in the flyweight division who are supposed to give Nietes the big-money match he covets, the other being former demanding a million-dollar purse to make the fight happen. If money becomes an issue, then there is still a flicker of hope for Nietes.

As things stand, Nietes (39-1, 22 knockouts) is trying to see what is left salvaging in the flyweight division. The Filipino is currently ranked No. 1 in the flyweight division by the WBO and with the title now vacant, he could end up fighting for it opposite the No.2 contender, former Olympian Zou Shimming of China.

The heavily-hyped but under performing Shimming (8-1, 2 knockouts) is scheduled to fight Prasitsak Papoem of Thailand on November 5, in the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao-Jessie Vargas WBO welterweight clash. Nietes may end up fighting the winner of ShimmingPapoem for the WBO flyweight strap.

The clock is ticking for the 34-yearold Nietes. He is a favorite to win a third world boxing title, most likely the WBO flyweight plum, but what really motivates him now is the dream match with Gonzalez. If Gonzalez stays at junior bantamweight, Nietes’ stay in the flyweight class may be short-lived and a move up to 115-pounds may follow. For Nietes, it is all about chasing his ultimate dream; chasing Gonzalez. For comments, the writer can be reached at