DONNIE “Ahas” Nietes (28W-1L-3D, 16 KOs) of the ALA Gym will challenge WBO Junior Flyweight champion Ramon Garcia Hirales (16W-2L-1D, 9 KOs) of Mexico in his bid to claim a second world crown on Sept. 10, 2011 at the University of St. La Salle (USLS) in Bacolod City.
ALA Promotions President and CEO Michael Aldeguer made the formal announcement in Bacolod last Tuesday. The 29-year-old Nietes sealed his place in Philippine boxing history when he successfully defended his WBO minimumweight world title three times in Mexico. He will be enjoying the homecourt advantage this time around. He hails from Murcia, Negros Occidental and makes Bacolod City his home.
The 29-year-old Hirales will be making the first defense of his title. He won the WBO interim lt.flyweight title in 2010 by beating Filipino Johnriel Casimero by split decision. Hirales officially became the regular world champion last April when he stopped Jesus Geles of Colombia in four rounds.
Hirales is the twin brother of Raul Garcia, who now holds the WBO minimumweight title vacated by Nietes. /Correspondent Rene Bonsubre Jr.