Donnie "Ahas" Nietes: Looking at the Heart of a True Champion

Donnie Nietes is perhaps the most underrated Filipino boxing champion of this era. That is simply because he is overshadowed in popularity by the current pound-for-pound king, Manny Pacquiao, and the richly talented Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire, who also both hail from the proud country of the Philippines. Although Nietes is currently the reigning WBO Minimumweight Champion of the world, his name is not recognized by casual boxing aficionados, primarily because he does not get the same exposure as the other Filipino superstars videlicet Manny Pacquiao, Gerry Penalosa, Bernabe Concepcion, Rodel Mayol, and Nonito Donaire. Despite his humble status in the boxing world, Nietes never backs down from important challenges and always fights with his heart and amazing boxing skills, often in his opponent's territory.

In his last fight held at the Auditorio Luis Estrada Medina in Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico, Nietes displayed superb boxing skills and persistent courage against his worthy challenger, Mexican warrior Mario Rodriguez. After twelve grueling rounds, Nietes viciously punished and outgunned his game opponent with wicked and accurate punch combinations, which allowed him to keep his championship title via unanimous decision, with the scores of 119-109, 118-110 and 116-112, according to Nathanielz of BoxingScene. This important victory proved once again that Nietes is worthy of world recognition and a humble fighter who belongs to the elite club of great boxing champions of this era.

Because Nietes always fights in Mexico for his title defenses, he now has a significant number of followers and admirers in that country. "Perhaps we can call him 'Little Mexicutioner' now," said Dr. De la Vega, who acted as Nietes' cutman on his title defense against Rodriguez. Mexican boxing fans love watching proud warriors who give their best when they step in the ring and that's what they exactly see in Nietes every time he defends his title against notable Mexican pugilists. A few of these gallant warriors tried and persevered to unseat Nietes of his world title but they were unsuccessful, proving that Nietes is a special tactician and a noble champion of the Sweet Science who cannot be taken for granted.

Nietes is still young and with proper exposure in great battles, his name will soon be recognized globally. He has apt ring intelligence and possesses raw power that is sufficient to clean up the minimumweight division. Once this occurs, Nietes will undoubtedly earn the respect and credit he rightfully deserves since he won his coveted title, which he does not enjoy yet to the fullest. He already has a legion of fans, yes, and I am one of them. If Nietes continues to dominate his opponents just like what he did to Rodriguez, he is definitely going to be the next Philippine boxing hero, possibly claiming the glorious throne of boxing's most exciting fighter and his compatriot, Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao.

Sources:

Ronnie Nathanielz, "Donnie Nietes decision Mario Rodriguez, retains title." BoxingScene.com

Ed de la Vega, "The Nietes-Rodriguez Title Fight - What a Hot and Interesting Experience." PhilBoxing.com