UNIFICATION BOUT VS KIMURA GOOD FOR NIETES, SAYS TRAINER

A POSSIBLE unification bout against World Boxing Organization (WBO) flyweight champion Sho Kimura of Japan will favor defending International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight titleholder Donnie “Ahas” Nietes.

Trainer Edito Villamor believes the fighting style of Japan’s newest world champion Kimura (15-1-2 win-loss-draw record with eight knockouts) is tailored fit for the 35-year-old Nietes (40-1-4 record with 22 knockouts).

“Kimura really loves to get inside and attack. He is a true aggressor and definitely a brawler. That is what Nietes likes. Known for his great counter-punching, I’m sure Nietes will beat him up,” Villamor told The Manila Times in a phone interview on Tuesday.

Although there are no formal talks yet about the possible unification bout, Villamor really likes the idea of the unification fight of two flyweight world champions.

“So far, we have not received any formal offer yet but that unification bout will serve as a great opportunity for Donnie,” he added. “Donnie will always be ready anytime and anywhere. Right now, Donnie is doing some conditioning exercises.”

Kimura is coming from a spectacular 11th round technical knockout win to dethrone Chinese and former Olympic gold medalist Zou Shiming last July 28 in Shanghai, China.

“I guessed he (Zou) had a hard time losing weight before his fight with Sho,” said Villamor.

Nietes, on the other hand, defeated Komgrich Nantapech of Thailand last April 29 in Cebu for the vacant IBF flyweight belt.