Last Friday night, I was invited by my friend Chito Katangkatang to have dinner with him together with some of his friends and Donnie “Ahas” Nietes, the WBO Minimumweight Champion at Time Out. Unfortunately, I was not able to have dinner together with the group because I had prior engagement but afterward I hurriedly joined them so that I can meet the boxing champ. I never expected that in my lifetime, I will be meeting a world boxing champion coming from Negros.
For those of you who don’t know him, Donnie “Ahas” Nietes is a 27 years old full blooded Negrense, stand at 5’3”, weighs about 107 lbs, born in the town of Murcia and presently residing in Granada, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. His alias is “Ahas” not because he is a traitor in the boxing community but rather because of his four year old 16 feet Python named Don.
He started his amateur boxing career when he was still a teenager before he decided to go to Cebu City to try his luck in professional boxing. He worked first as a utility in ALA Boxing Gym in Cebu and later his boxing skill was noticed when he joined a boxing tournament which was organized by his employer. He started his professional boxing career at the age of 21 years old and the rest is history.
His most recent fight was last Jan. 23, 2010 against Jesus Silvestre, in Cuneta Astrodome where he defended his WBO Minimumweight Championship and won. After 6 years as a professional boxer, his present record is 26 wins (15 KO) 1 lost and 3 draw. Currently he ranks number one in the Philippines Active Minimumweight Ratings and number six in the World Active Minimumweight Ratings.
Though we met and talked in just a very short period of time but I can honestly say that he is unassuming and down to earth. He is not difficult to pleased and very approachable. He has a good sense of humor too.
He may not be as popular as Manny Pacquiao, Donito Donaire, Jr. and Brian Viloria but I do believe that Donnie Nietes soon can make a name on his own in the world of boxing because of his discipline and determination.
I think, Donnie Nietes' life and success should be an inspiration and pride for all of us Negrenses. Mabuhay ka Donnie! We are proud of you!
No comments:
Post a Comment