Nietes to fight for 5 more years
Nietes says he is still good for five years fighting at elite level
Talk about discipline and durability. While most boxers his age are already in the twilight of their careers, IBF flyweight champion Donnie ‘Ahas’ Nietes seems to be like a fine wine as he gets stronger and better by age.
The 35-year-old Nietes, fresh from a masterful sevenround demolition of Argentine challenger Juan Carlos Reveco in his first fight on HBO live telecast last February 25 at the Forum in Inglewood, California, said he still has a lot of gas left in his tank and that he should be still good for five years of fighting at the elite level.
“My age has never been a concern for me,” said the ALA Gym star in a press conference Wednesday night at the St. Mark’s Hotel. “I think I can still fight at a high level even If I reach 40.”
“I am taking care of my body because I still want to be in my prime,” Nietes added. “My goal is to face the best of the best in my division (112 lbs.) or I can climb to 115 lbs. and challenge the champions out there. Hopefully, I can be a fourdivision world champion before I retire.”
Nietes said he is interested to slug it out with WBC super flyweight champ Srisaket Sor Rungvisai of Thailand or former two-time world titleholder Juan Francisco Estrada in his next ring assignment.
“I watched the two of them fight during the main event and I believe that I have enough skills to win if I face either one of them inside the ring,” said the pride of Murcia, Negros Occidental.
Aside from Sor Rungvisai and Estrada, Nietes also welcomes a showdown with former pound-for-pound king Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzales of Nicaragua.
“People think that I already achieved it all but for me, there is still a lot to do. I want to strengthen my legacy as one of the greatest Filipino boxers of all time,” added Nietes.
The longest reigning Filipino world boxing champion has earned praises from pundits after he put on a solid, all-around show against Reveco.
“Boxing broadcasters like Jim Lampley and Max Kellerman were all praise for Donnie,” said ALA chief trainer Edito Villamor. “Even the great Andrew Ward was amazed with Donnie’s skills. It was really a big thing for us that Donnie is getting the recognition he deserved.”
Nietes is one of the two remaining Pinoy world champs at the moment alongside IBF super flyweight king Jerwin Ancajas.