Bacolod officials, Baba honor Nietes

THE Bacolod City officials and the Bacolod Amateur Boxing Association (Baba) honored four-division boxing world champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes yesterday after winning the WBO Super Flyweight World Championship on December 31, 2018.

The City Government along with Baba organized a motorcade for Nietes from Northwest Inn to Bacolod Government Center which was participated by Mayor Evelio Evelio Leonardia, Congressman Greg Gasataya, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, the members of the City Council and Baba president Monju Guanzon.

Nietes, 35, a native of Murcia, was accompanied by his father Josue and his three brothers.

On December 31, Nietes defeated Japanese boxer Kazuto Loka at the Wynn Palace in Cotai, Macau.

Leonardia said this is truly a proud moment in Negros Occidental and the whole Philippines for having Donnie Nietes.

“We congratulate and honor Nietes because it is really something that we can all be proud of,” he said.

Leonardia recalled that Nietes was trained by Negros Amateur Boxing Association (Naba), which is now Baba.

“Now we can see for ourselves what could possibly happen when we try to train and try to help our boxers. He (Nietes) is a very classic example,” Leonardia said.

He added the City Government will continue to support the programs of Baba for the sports of boxing.

Gasataya said: “Nietes is a pride of Bacolod and Negros, and we congratulate him. Rest assured of the support of the people of Bacolod and we are proud of you.”

Familiaran said that he met with the father of Nietes and they are very humble family.

“We congratulate Donnie for winning the WBO Super Flyweight World Championship. Nietes is a pride of Negros and Bacolod City, we are very proud of you and may the good Lord will bless you and hoping for more belts in boxing,” he said.

Guanzon said Nietes is a humble and a good person. He started playing boxing at the age of 10 along with his siblings and now he’s a fourdivision boxing world champion.

For his part, Nietes said he is thankful to God for giving him a good performance to capture the four-division boxing world champion.

“I’m also thankful to the city officials, Baba, to his family and the people of Negros Occidental for giving me support. Thank you for the warm welcome here,” he said.

He added that he did not expect that he will reach the four-division because he is very small.

“It’s only a dedication on training and improved my ability until I captured the four-division and I’m happy for it because it’s also a big help to my family,” Nietes said.

Nietes also reminded his fellow boxers to focus on training to reach their dreams.

Nietes now joins fellow legends Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire Jr., who have won world titles in at least four weight divisions.*