BUDDY SYSTEM
NIETES, VILORIA SPAR AHEAD OF TITLE FIGHTS
Nietes spars with Brian Viloria, two other young fighters in preparation for defense vs. Juan Carlos Reveco
Longest reigning Filipino world champion Donnie Nietes is confident that he’ll be ready for his upcoming title defense with the way that his training camp has been going at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, California.
“I’m ready already. I’m just trimming down in weight,” the 35-yearold Nietes told SunStar Cebu.
Nietes has been sparring with former world champion and fellow Filipino Brian Viloria, who’ll also be seeing action in the Super Fly 2 show on Feb. 24 at the Forum in Inglewood, California.
Nietes will defend his International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight belt against ex-world champion Juan Carlos Reveco, while Viloria faces unbeaten Artem Dalakian for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) flyweight title.
Nietes, one of the best boxers to ever come out of the Philippines, is 40-1-4 with 22 knockouts, while Reveco is 39-3 with 19 knockouts.
“We didn’t go easy on each other, we really exchanged blows,” said Neites of his sparring sessions with Viloria. “He has helped me a lot with his speed and experience.”
Nietes has been sparring four to six rounds every sparring day with Viloria. He logged a total of 10 rounds the other day with the two-division world champion.
Nietes has also been sparring with two talented young fighters in 1-0 Christian Robles and Joseph Cuellar, who’s yet to make his pro debut.
“They have also been a huge help in improving my stamina and defense,” said Neites.
Nietes won his third division title, the IBF flyweight belt, with a unanimous decision over tough Thai Komgrich Nantapech in April last year at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu City. /