Ahas intensifies training for PP9

DONNIE “Ahas” Nietes of the ALA gym has intensified his training regimen for his upcoming challenge against reigning WBO light flyweight champion Ramon Garcia Hirales of Mexico.

Nietes (28W-1L-3D, 16 KOs), who relinquished his WBO minimumweight title after four successful defenses, is moving up in weight to go after a second world title.

Last Tuesday at the ALA gym, Nietes sparred for full 12 against Philippine minimumweight champion Junjun Sabillo, Zaldy Aroa and former world title challenger Rommel Asenjo who took turns going toe-to-toe with Nietes.

The 29-year-old Nietes was in good spirits and raring to fight in front of his hometown fans in Bacolod City on Oct. 8 in the main event of the Pnoy Pride 9 card.

“I will not let my fans down,” Nietes told Cebu Daily News before his torrid training session.

The Oct. 8 fight will be the second time Nietes will see action at University of St. La Salle Gymnasium this year. Last April 9, he knocked out another Mexican, Armando Vasquez in one round. Nietes said that fans should look forward to another great Philippines vs. Mexico ring battle.

Garcia Hirales (16W-2L-1D, 9 KOs) will make the first defense of the title he won last April 30 by stopping Jesus Geles of Colombia in four rounds. Last year, Garcia Hirales beat another Filipino, Johnriel Casimero by split decision in Mexico for the interim version of the title.  /Correspondent Rene Bonsubre