MANILA – Donnie Nietes will not hesitate in taking out fellow Negrense Aston Palicte to capture the WBO world super flyweight title.
A native of Murcia, Negros Occidental, Nietes is out for what could be his fourth world title.
“Tatanggapin ko na labanan si Aston kung iyon ang sabi ng WBO,” said Nietes, currently in the United States to prepare for the fight.
“Ang maganda lang diyan, kung sino man ang manalo, tiyak nasa Pilipinas ang world championship,” he said.
It was the WBO’s mandate for Nietes to face Palicte, a native of Bago City, Negros Occidental.
Nietes’ promoter was looking to have the bout on July 21.
The fight is seen as the second All-Filipino world championship clash after the IBF junior bantamweight champion Jerwin Ancajas’ title defense against mandatory challenger Jonas Sultan on May 26.
“Kung ako lang ang masusunod, mas gusto kong sa Pilipinas gawin iyong laban, total parehas kaming Pinoy,” added Nietes. “Pwede namang sa Cebu o sa Maynila pero mas maganda sa Maynila dahil ito iyong capital.”
Nietes (5-foot-3) said he is unfazed by the 5-foot-7 Palicte.
“Boxing naman ito, hindi basketball. Hindi naman ito patangkaran kundi kung sino ang babato ng mas may maraming suntok,” Nietes said. “May nakalaban na rin tayong matatangkad tulad ni Moises Fuentes pero kinaya natin.”
Nietes has a 41-1-4 win-loss-draw record with 23 stoppage wins while Palicte wields 24-2-0 with 20 knockout victories./PN
