Nietes shrugs off pressure

Donnie Nietes is used to fighting on hostile territory so he’s not fazed in taking on WBO superflyweight champion Kazuto Ioka in a scheduled 12-round title bout at the Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo tonight. At 40, Nietes plans to turn back the hands of time in ending the Philippines’ drought in world championship boxing.

Nietes has won 12 fights in Dubai, Macau, US, Mexico and Jakarta, losing only once overseas but in a career that started in 2003, this will be his first appearance in Japan although he beat Ioka on points in Macau four years ago. He fought twice last year after a 27-month layoff and is determined to regain the WBO crown. Ioka, 33, is out for redemption in his fifth defense of the 115-pound title.

“Lalong bumabata pa rin,” said Nietes when asked about his condition. “Walang pagbabago sa style ni Ioka, ganoon pa rin. Lahat gagawin ko kung saan siya mahihirapan. Same pa rin ang style niya at kayang kaya talaga. Wala na tayong world champion kaya I’ll give my best para manalo.” Nietes’ coach Edmund Villamor said pressure is second nature to the veteran. “Sanay na siya sa ganiyan,” he said. “Kung gutom pa si Donnie, siya lang ang makakasagot niyan. Makikita natin sa laban.”

Nietes arrived in Tokyo last Wednesday. Villamor, Robert Eturma, Rey Orais and Nietes’ Japanese friend Shin will be in his corner for the fight. Both Nietes and Ioka have won titles in four weight divisions from minimumweight to lightflyweight to flyweight to superflyweight so their rematch is a clash between icons.

Nietes’ dream is to challenge “super” WBA superflyweight ruler Juan Francisco Estrada but he has to get past Ioka first. Nietes is ranked No. 1 by WBO and No. 3 by WBA. The division is where other Filipinos are rated highly. Jade Bornea is No. 1 by IBF and Jerwin Ancajas, No. 4 by WBO, No. 6 by IBF and No. 7 by WBC. KJ Cataraja is No. 10 by WBO. Ancajas will attempt to regain the IBF crown from Argentina’s Fernando Martinez in a rematch in August.